Why Los Angeles Chargers will beat Giants, why they won’t, and a prediction

In this story:
The Los Angeles Chargers face what some might call a trap game in Week 4 with a visit to the 0-3 New York Giants.
Those Chargers have a chance to keep the usual Jim Harbaugh turnaround going by moving to 4-0 if they can overcome the early-afternoon East Coast kickoff and a team looking to play the spoiler.
Here’s a look at why the Chargers will or won’t pick up a win over the Giants in Week 4.
Why Chargers will beat Giants
The Giants have a reportedly disgruntled locker room, have yet to win a game, and will start rookie Jaxson Dart under center. Justin Herbert continues to play near-MVP ball and this matchup is far, far removed from say, facing off with Patrick Mahomes in Brazil. Despite mixing things up on defense with a few names, Jesse Minter has the unit playing at a high level again, which should be enough to create a few turnovers against a rookie.
RELATED: 5 things you need to know about Chargers at Giants in Week 4
Why Chargers won’t beat Giants
The early kickoff doesn’t help. And while Dart is a rookie, a lack of fim could lead to a few surprise plays that swing the result. The Chargers will also mix up the offensive line due to injuries. While winless, the Giants played Dallas within three in an overtime game and limited Kansas City to 22 points despite a loss. An elite front seven should be able to pressure Herbert, too.
RELATED: Chargers' biggest reasons for concern vs. Giants in Week 4
Chargers vs. Giants prediction
At its best, most previews and outlooks attempt to paint the Giants as a scrappy underdog in this matchup, which is fair. Malik Nabers is a threat on offense, and the pass-rushers can create game-changing plays. But we’ve seen a three-game sample size of this new offense around Herbert and how he’s playing within it. The first non-AFC West opponent of the year might cause more issues than expected, but it’s the type of game where Herbert can make another statement late, too.
Prediction: Chargers 27, Giants 23

— Enjoy free coverage of the Chargers from Los Angeles Chargers on SI —
More Los Angeles Chargers News:
Can Chargers' Kimani Vidal start to match fan hype after Najee Harris injury?
Chargers undergo big OL shuffles in front of Justin Herbert on final injury report
Chargers WR Keenan Allen could make stunning history vs. Giants
Chargers' Keenan Allen tabbed as fantasy football must-start for Week 4

Chris Roling has covered the NFL since 2010 with stints at Bleacher Report, USA TODAY Sports Media Group and others. Raised a Bengals fan in the '90s, the Andy Dalton era was smooth sailing by comparison. He graduated from the E. W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University and remains in Athens.
Follow Chris_Roling