Detroit Lions vs. Los Angeles Chargers Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Joey Bosa, Chargers Defense Limit Lions?
The Detroit Lions head out west for a star-studded battle with the red-hot Los Angeles Chargers. Will the playmakers shine, or will the athletic pass rushes rule the day with Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack? Matt MacKay tells us how he sees this one going in his Lions vs. Chargers prediction.
Matt MacKay - November 10, 2023, 9:20 AM EST
5 minDetroit Lions vs. Los Angeles Chargers Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Joey Bosa, Chargers Defense Limit Lions?
The Detroit Lions will travel to SoFi Stadium to face the Los Angeles Chargers, forming one of the more entertaining matchups on the NFL's Week 10 slate.
Jared Goff and the Lions are coming out of their Week 9 Bye, while Austin Ekeler and the Chargers just took care of business on the road against the New York Jets in a dominant 27-6 win on Monday Night Football in Week 9. Ekeler accounted for two rushing touchdowns, while the Chargers gained momentum early with a punt return touchdown, allowing the defense to contain Breece Hall to render Zach Wilson ineffective down the stretch.
The Lions also didn't have much of a challenge during their last game played, as they routed the Raiders during former head coach Josh McDaniels' final game with the team, which resulted in a comfortable 26-14 win at home. Rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs flashed his potential with a full workload, so it'll be interesting to watch how the Lions' top-12 draft pick performs with David Montgomery back in the mix. They'll be facing a Chargers' run defense ranked fourth-best in yards per rush attempt allowed this season.
NFL handicapper Matt MacKay is here to give us his latest prediction and pick for the Detroit Lions vs. Los Angeles Chargers.
Lions vs. Chargers Date, Time, And Where To Watch
- Date: Sunday, November 12, 2023
- Game Time: 4:05 p.m. ET
- Where To Watch: CBS
Lions vs. Chargers Odds
- Spread: Lions -3 (-112), Chargers +3 (-108)
- Total Odds: Under 48.5 (-110), Over 48.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Lions (-158), Chargers (+134)
Detroit Lions vs. Los Angeles Chargers Injury Report
Lions
Questionable: OT Dan Skipper (Ribs), G Halapoulivaati Vaitai (Back), WR Donovan Peoples-Jones (Ribs)
Out: CB Emmanuel Moseley (Knee), DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson (Pectoral)
Chargers
Questionable: DE Joey Bosa (Illness),
Out: WR Josh Palmer (Knee), WR Mike Williams (Knee), S Raheem Layne (Knee), S JT Woods (Illness), C Corey Linsley (Illness)
Detroit Lions vs. Los Angeles Chargers Prediction
Los Angeles and Detroit haven't played each other since 2019, so there aren't many recent data points available. This interconference matchup features two teams vying for playoff contention, with both teams enjoying relatively easy wins over their last opponent.
Quietly, the Chargers defense has improved under head coach Brandon Staley this season. It started off rough, but now, Los Angeles is a tough unit to score on. The Chargers defense has a turnover rate of 15.7 percent, fifth-highest in the league. In their last three games played, Los Angeles' defense has forced seven turnovers, while only committing three offensive turnovers during this stretch, leading to a 2-1 record.
Jared Goff is well-known for his lack of turnovers but lately, he's been committing more miscues. The Lions have recorded four offensive turnovers in their past two games, including three against the Raiders in Week 8. Fortunately, Detroit's defense, led by Aidan Hutchinson and rookie defensive back Brian Branch, have also forced at least one turnover in all but one game this season, while holding every team except Baltimore under 100 total rushing yards.
Oddsmakers are giving the Chargers +3 ATS, making them home underdogs at SoFi Stadium on Sunday. The point total line is set at 48.5, which is where we can make our money. Games at SoFi are 6-2 in favor of the under this season, plus, each of Los Angeles' last six games have gone under the total point line. Detroit has scored 52 points combined across its last three games played, while the Chargers haven't gone over 43 total points at home since a 36-34 loss to Miami back in Week 1.
Unders have been very profitable this season, and with a high point total line set at 48.5, likely due to the presence of explosive playmakers like Austin Ekeler, Jahmyr Gibbs, Keenan Allen, and Amon-Ra St. Brown, the perception is that this game will go over. However, let's stake a unit on under 48.5 total points at -110 odds.
Detroit Lions vs. Los Angeles Chargers Pick
- Pick: Under 48.5 (-110) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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