Los Angeles @ Buffalo preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 19, 2017 ) Buffalo 24, L.A. Chargers 54

The Buffalo Bills will try to get past an embarrassing season-opening loss by turning to rookie Josh Allen at quarterback when they host the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Allen, who was drafted seventh overall in April, replaced Nathan Peterman in the third quarter in last week's 47-3 loss at Baltimore and will take over to begin the home opener.

"At the end of the day, he's a young player," coach Sean McDermott told reporters. "We keep that all in mind, manage expectations, and know that we embrace that growth mindset that there's going to be some challenges, some adversity, and you keep learning as you go and you embrace that." There figure to be loads of challenges and adversity for the Bills if they continue to play like they did last Sunday, when they managed a measly 153 total yards in the team's most lopsided loss in nearly 11 years. The Chargers are also looking for a rebound performance after a 38-28 home loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1. Los Angeles routed Buffalo 54-24 last year while intercepting Peterman -- who was making his first career start -- five times in the first half alone.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Chargers -7. O/U: 43

ABOUT THE CHARGERS (0-1): Veteran quarterback Philip Rivers threw for 418 yards and three touchdowns last week -- despite a handful of notable drops by his receivers -- as Los Angeles outgained Kansas City by nearly 200 yards and had a 33-19 advantage in first downs. Melvin Gordon had 64 yards rushing and another 102 on nine receptions while Keenan Allen -- who had 159 yards receiving and two TDs last year against Buffalo -- hauled in eight catches for 108 yards and a score versus the Chiefs. Star defensive end Joey Bosa missed the opener and is reportedly not expected to be available for this one as he tries to overcome a bone bruise in his left foot.

ABOUT THE BILLS (0-1): Buffalo responded to last year's 30-point loss to the Chargers by winning four of its next six games to end a long postseason drought, and the current unit is hoping for another turnaround. "It's one game and we have to keep things in proper perspective," McDermott told the media. "We're still finding out who we are as a football team, and we have to continue to grow and learn from the film." Allen completed 6-of-15 passes for 74 yards and added 26 yards on the ground in his limited action.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Bills RB LeSean McCoy has 32 rushing yards in 18 attempts over his last two regular-season games.

2. Los Angeles RB Austin Ekeler had five catches and five runs in Week 1, compiling 126 total yards and a TD.

3. The Chargers have won the last three meetings by an average of 23 points.

PREDICTION: Chargers 27, Bills 18