At the start of 2023, many sports betting experts (including this one) thought that Justin Herbert would lead one of the most high-flying offenses in the NFL this season. Instead, the Chargers have limped to a 4-4 start that needed a win in New York over the offensively challenged Jets to bring them to .500. They go into Sunday’s contest against the Detroit Lions (6-2) ranked just #15 in total offense, gaining 341 yards per game. Even in their 27-6 win over the Jets, they only gained 191 yards. Since 2018, the Chargers had never had fewer than 200 offensive yards in a game until last week, and last week was just the fifth time in franchise history that the team had won without hitting the 200-yards mark. One issue is the struggles that Will Clapp has had since taking over center duties for Corey Linsley, who remains out with a cardiac issue. Herbert has taken five sacks in two of the last three games, and sacks will end drives quickly. Can the L.A. stop the surging Detroit at home? Read on to get our NFL betting prediction between Lions vs Chargers.
NFL Detroit Lions at Los Angeles Chargers Betting Odds
When: Sunday, November 12, 2023, 4:05 pm ET
Where: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
TV: CBS
Radio: WXYT 97.1 FM Detroit / KYSR 98.7 FM Los Angeles
Live Stream: Hulu
Why should you bet on the Detroit Lions?
The Lions return from the bye with two terrific options at tailback. Starter David Montgomery should be back from injury, but Jahmyr Gibbs put up huge numbers while Montgomery was out, so the Lions will have all kinds of running options. The Lions are sixth in the NFL in points per play and ninth in points per game, so having their offense regain a weapon is a scary proposition for a Chargers team that, at least before the Jets game, had struggled mightily to get stops.
The Lions also have a solid defense, ranking right in the middle of the pack in points allowed per game (20.6, good for 14th) and yards per play (5.1, good for 15th). They only allow 3.9 yards per rushing attempt, which is second-best in the NFL. The Lions have 10 takeaways and 21 sacks through eight games, and they should be able to pressure Justin Herbert for much of the night.
Bet on the Lions to Win Today
49ers vs Jaguars Week 10 Odds | SPREAD | MONEYLINE | TOTAL |
---|---|---|---|
Los Angeles Chargers | +3 | +130 | U 48.5 |
Detroit Lions | -3 | -150 | O 48.5 |
Why should you put your money on the Los Angeles Chargers?
The Chargers showed some flash in their special teams last week, opening their scoring by taking a punt return back to the house. They sacked Zach Wilson eight times and recovered three fumbles, and that showing by the defense should give the fans some confidence. The Chargers are now second in the NFL in sacks and are sixth in rushing defense. The pass defense is a problem, though, as the Chargers are 31st in passing yards permitted per attempt and 30th in total passing yards permitted. The Lions rank in the top ten in passing this year, but the Chargers might be able to snatch the ball away a few times; they lead the league with a +9 turnover margin.
The Chargers would likely have more offensive success if their running game could provide more balance. They pick up just 3.9 yards per carry, good for 23rd in the league. Austin Ekeler did miss three games, but the O-line hasn’t been opening big holes for any tailbacks that often this season.
Bet on the Chargers to Win Today
Lions vs Chargers Final Score and Prediction
The Lions should be able to move the ball down the field against a Chargers secondary that gives up a lot of yards. Jared Goff should have time to get the ball out quickly, and the Lions can keep the Chargers’ pass rush honest with some timely running and play-action. I see the Lions getting enough defense to win on the road, 27-20.
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Lions vs Chargers
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