.jpg "Chargers-at-Giants-(CBS)")
It might be too late for either of these teams to turn it around because of the huge hole they have dug themselves into thus far. The Giants have the home field advantage and are the favorites, but it’s hard to know how this one will turn out because both teams have been inconsistent.
Kickoff for this regular season Week 5 game is set for Sunday, October 8, 2017, at 1 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Los Angeles Chargers +3.5
New York Giants -3.5
Over/Under 44
Odds Analysis
Despite their struggles this year, the Giants are better than field goal favorites to win this one. The bettors are on board as more than 57 percent of the money is on New York to cover.
The scoring total is low as the Giants have had real problems scoring this season, while the Chargers have also been inconsistent. The betting public thinks there will be more points than expected in this one as the “over” is getting chosen in 90 percent of the early bets.
Injury Report
Olivier Vernon -- The Giants star defensive lineman injured his ankle against the Buccaneers on Sunday and didn’t return to the game. HIs availability is key as he is one of the most talented players on either team. Vernon has 13 tackles and two sacks this season and would love to be back for this one.
Mike Williams -- The Chargers’ first-round pick still hasn’t played in a game this year because of a back injury he suffered in the preseason. The Giants have a solid secondary so Los Angeles would love to have another downfield option, but it’s hard to count on Williams until he practices consistently throughout the week and brings with him good reviews with his health.
Chris McCain — The Chargers defensive end left the last weekend’s game against the Eagles during the first half of the team’s game with an elbow injury but did return. The Giants’ offensive line isn’t very good, and Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram are the main pass-rushers anyway. However, McCain would love to be another element of that pass rush and it remains to be seen.
Key Stat
5. That’s the number of games lost by three points or fewer these teams have combined for in 2017. The Chargers have been particularly snake-bitten, falling to the Broncos by a field goal in their season opener, to the Dolphins by two points in Week 2 and then to the Eagles by two points last time out.
With better luck the Chargers could easily be 2-2 or even 3-1 on the year, but instead are one of the four winless teams remaining in the NFL. The Giants lost their first two games by double digits but have played more competitively of late.
It hasn’t helped in the win column as they fell by three points to the Eagles in Week 3 and then by two points to Tampa Bay last time out.
Free ATS Pick
The Giants have more talent, but they are going to have problems keeping quarterback Eli Manning upright against a tough Chargers defensive front. Los Angeles has the better quarterback in Philip Rivers so they should be able to pull the upset despite playing this one on the road.
The Giants’ horrific season will continue as Los Angeles should finally get over the hump by winning a close game in 2017.
NFL Odds: Chargers 20, Giants 17
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