The Chargers played on Monday Night Football last week, while the Lions are coming off a bye. That's a big advantage for Detroit heading into this week's game against L.A.
Detroit is one of the best spread bets in the league, with a 6-2 against-the-spread record to match their overall record. The Lions lost outright in two games where they did not cover. So when the Lions win, they also are covering at a 100% rate. They are 4-4 on game totals so far this season.
Los Angeles is not as good of a bet against the spread at 4-4 on the year. After a tough start, losing their first two and not covering in either game, the Chargers are 4-2 ATS over their last six games and notably have covered two straight, which lines up with getting Austin Ekeler back. Notably, the Chargers have gone under in all four of their wins, covering the spread in all four.
Two significant trends for Lions vs. Chargers:
- The Lions cover when they win outright at a 100% rate.
- The Chargers point total hits the under at a 100% rate when they win outright and when they cover the spread.
The good news for the Chargers is that there were no notable new injuries coming out of their Monday night win over the Jets. The Lions could not have had the bye week come at a better time, with the team pretty banged up going into their week off.
Lions vs. Chargers live odds
Here are the moneyline, spread, and point total live odds from the best sportsbooks in America for Lions vs. Chargers.
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Detroit Lions betting news
As mentioned, the bye week came at a great time, with several key players missing their last game. The Lions were missing three offensive linemen and starting running back David Montgomery in their Week 8 MNF win over the Raiders. The Lions actually have six players they consider offensive line starters. If the entire unit is healthy, there would be a natural rotation of four players at guard and center.
Frank Ragnow, Jonah Jackson, Halapoulivaati Vaitai and Graham Glasgow make up the rotation, and Glasgow is the only one who hasn't missed a start. Detroit has only played one game with all four players available (their season-opener), plus their two starting tackles, Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell.
After a week off, things are trending toward all six being available, and Montgomery should return as well. This is as healthy as the Detroit offense has been all season. The emergence of rookie running back and first-round pick Jahmyr Gibbs could mean this Lions offense could be ready to explode behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and rookie TE Sam LaPorta.
Los Angeles Chargers betting news
The Chargers offense has issues with so many injuries at wide receiver, but having Austin Ekeler back has helped plug the holes left by injuries to Mike Williams and Joshua Palmer. With the Lions offense operating at full capacity, the Chargers defense is going to need to step up.
The Chargers defense gave up 25.5 points per game during their first six games. Over their two-game win streak, they have only given up 9.5 points per game. So what is the actual defense for the Chargers, the one from the first six weeks or the last two weeks?
Considering the Chargers played the Bears (with a backup QB) and the Jets in the last two weeks, the defense's great performances were likely due to the opponent rather than improvement. If there is any hope to continue their win streak, the Chargers will need Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack to wreak havoc and get to Jared Goff, or the Lions may drop 40-plus on L.A.
Lions vs. Chargers props at Bet365 Sportsbook
Bet365 has great value odds for player prop bets for the Lions vs. Chargers Sunday late afternoon game.
Justin Herbert props
- 269.5 passing yards over (-110)/ under (-110)
- 1.5 passing touchdowns over (-130)/ under (+100)
- 11.5 rushing yards over (-110)/ under (-110)
Austin Ekeler props
- 48.5 rushing yards over (-110)/ under (-110)
- 36.5 receiving yards over (-110)/ under (-110)
Keenan Allen props
- 79.5 receiving yards over (-110)/ under (-110)
- 36.5 receiving yards over (-110)/ under (-110)
Brian Branch props
- 5.5 tackles & assists over (-125)/ under (-105)
- 0.5 interceptions over (+625)/ under (-1000)
Aidan Hutchinson
- 3.5 tackles & assists over (-115)/ under (-115)
- Records a sack: Yes (-180) / No (+155)
Lions vs. Chargers prediction: Healthy Lions snag road win
It sounds weird to say, but the Lions are one of the best teams in the NFL from a pure talent perspective. Head coach Dan Campbell has the team believing in his vision (knee-cap biting notwithstanding), and Detroit has emerged as one of the best teams in the NFC. They'll be too much for a Chargers defense that hasn't proven it can contain the league's best so far this season.
Pick: Lions
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