It may only be preseason, but the Seattle Seahawks are playing football today. As with all preseason games, the focus is to evaluate the team and players’ progress in training camp over the past three weeks.

This brings a certain level of unpredictability to all games of this nature, as many regular players – especially on offense – will be out and the players furthest down the roster will likely get the most playing time in certain positions.

But what should you look for in Seattle’s season opener? Which scenarios are more likely than others? Who will stand out for the Seahawks and increase their value inside the building? Our editors have a few predictions and players to watch for in Seattle’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers, which starts at 4:05 p.m. PDT.

In the preseason and even early in the regular season, defenses tend to be way ahead of offenses, so no one should expect many offensive fireworks with Geno Smith and Justin Herbert on the bench. There’s guaranteed to be no shortage of sloppiness, penalties and poor execution on both sides of the ball in this showpiece appetizer. The Seahawks should have the advantage, however, with a veteran young starter in Sam Howell at quarterback, and Mike Macdonald has made it clear that many starters will have at least a possession or two against the Chargers. Keeping that in mind, this game, even if played on the road, should have plenty of intensity for a preseason game, as Macdonald is going up against his former head coach Jim Harbaugh and several players have ties to both coaching staffs. Expect a physical, grueling game where the Seahawks can get a small lead and hang on in the second half. – Corbin Smith

Corbin’s player selection: WR/CR Laviska Shenault Jr.

I expect Shenault to have a great game on offense and special teams as he seems to have pretty good chemistry with Sam Howell on the practice field. I expect that to translate to game action against the backups and third-stringers.

Corbin’s point prediction: Seahawks 23, Chargers 17

Even without Justin Herbert, the Chargers have four quarterbacks they are evaluating in training camp. The Seahawks, however, have only two, meaning the second- and third-team offenses will have consistent, experienced playmakers in this game with Sam Howell and PJ Walker for Seattle, while Los Angeles will be swapping players around more often. That gives Seattle’s offensive stability and the Seahawks’ defense a huge advantage, which could be enough to tip the game in their favor. If Seattle does indeed play with a handful of starters on defense, Mike Macdonald’s scheme could overwhelm the Chargers’ backup quarterbacks early and get out to a quick lead. Regardless, the coach and player relationships between the two teams should make for a close game, as both programs will have a strong desire to win despite the preseason situation. Expect explosive plays when offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb first unveils his offense, but don’t expect any of the wildly creative options that would give too much away too soon. – Connor Benintendi

Connor’s player selection: EDGE Derick Hall

If Hall improves enough in his sophomore season to be a regular in the regular season, he should shine in the preseason against second- and third-team offenses. By all accounts, the former second-round pick has looked stronger, faster and more technically adept in training camp so far. Unleash him on the Chargers.

Connor’s point prediction: Seahawks 27, Chargers 24