The Los Angeles Chargers have bounced back from a poor start to the season and now sit in a three-way tie for first place in the AFC West. They look like the most dangerous team in the division and hope to finish on top, although there are only four games left to pass the Chiefs and Raiders. The Chargers have a critical home game in Week 14 where they will host the Washington Redskins.
Washington thought it could be a playoff team in 2017 but injuries have taken a huge toll and the group is now just 5-7 on the season. The Redskins likely won’t be making the postseason but have a decent team and should be able to hang around in this one.
This matchup in Week 14 of the regular season will take place on Sunday, December 10, 2017, at 4:05 p.m. ET at StubHub Center.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Redskins +6
Chargers -6
Over/Under 46
Odds Analysis
The Chargers have the respect of the oddsmakers as they are nearly touchdown favorites in this one. The betting public is also on board as more than 62 percent of the action is on Los Angeles to cover this spread.
The scoring total is higher than most NFL games as each team has a star quarterback leading the way. The “over” is the more common choice, with more than 76 percent of the money headed that way midway through the week.
Injury Report
Casey Hayward — The Chargers’ top cornerback was limited in Wednesday’s practice with a hamstring injury. Hayward tragically lost his brother in a car accident last week, but still played in Sunday’s game against the Browns. He has four interceptions and 18 passes defended this season for Los Angeles.
Jordan Reed — The Redskins’ tight end is expected to miss his sixth straight game this week against the Chargers, still dogged by a lingering hamstring injury. Reed was expected to be a big part of this Redskins’ offense heading into the season, but has not been able to stay healthy this year.
Trent Williams — The Redskins’ left tackle has been playing through injury all season long and said he’ll continue to do so, even with the Redskins’ playoff hopes all but extinguished. Williams said early this season that he plans to have surgery on his right knee eventually, but it sounds like the 29-year-old will do his best to finish out the season with the team.
Key Stat
17.7. That’s the number of points per game the Chargers are allowing this season, which is an impressive number, especially for a team that has long been known for its exploits on the offensive side of the ball. Hayward has been a big part of that at cornerback, while the team also boasts a pair of elite pass-rushers.
Melvin Ingram has 8.5 sacks on the season with a forced fumble, but Joey Bosa is the true one-man wrecking crew. He has 11.5 sacks and four forced fumbles and always seems to be pressuring the opposing quarterback.
Bosa could get some consideration for Defensive Player of the Year if he finishes the year strong and the Chargers end up winning the division and going to the playoffs. The Redskins have a strong offense, so it’s imperative that Bosa and Ingram get to Cousins consistently.
Free ATS Pick
Washington has the type of ability to pull upsets because Cousins can get hot, but he’s missing a lot of key players on that side of the ball. The Chargers seem to be finding their groove, and while they don’t have a large fanbase in Los Angeles, they have the benefit of not having to travel.
Take the Chargers to win this game, but the spread is too high. Washington should be able to keep the game competitive. The “over” is the choice on the scoring total.
NFL Odds: Chargers 27, Redskins 23
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
