Does The Extra Rest Favor The Lions on Sunday?
Detroit's Health Has Played a Factor Into The Lions vs Chargers NFL Betting Odds
While the Los Angeles Chargers played a game on Monday night, the Detroit Lions had a full bye week to prep for this NFL matchup. The Chargers defeated the Jets on Monday Night Football. But now they’ll have a short week to prepare against a Lions team that has had two weeks. With Detroit sitting at 6-2 on the season, are the Chargers doomed on Sunday?
Oddsmakers have the Lions sitting at -3 (-110) against the Chargers, despite being on the road. The total is currently at 48.5, with both sides at -110 odds. Will the Chargers extend their two-game winning streak on Sunday?
Let’s review the Lions vs Chargers NFL betting odds for Sunday’s exciting matchup.
Detroit Lions vs Los Angeles Chargers 
Day/Time: Sunday, November 12, 4:05 p.m. ET, 1:05 p.m. PT
Location: SoFi Stadium
Streaming: CBS
Lions vs Chargers NFL Betting Odds
The Lions are currently 6-2 against the spread through eight games this NFL season. Even dating back to last year, the Lions have won against the spread in eight of their last ten games. Most recently, the Lions earned a 26-14 win over the Raiders as a 7-point favorite. Meanwhile, the total has hit the Over and Under four times each through the first eight games.
On the other hand, the Chargers are 3-4-1 against the spread. However, Los Angeles has covered the last two games during their two-game winning streak. Both of those wins also finished Under the total. The Chargers have now seen the Under hit in six of their first eight games of the season.
Detroit and Los Angeles have only played each other four times. The Lions and Chargers have each won two of the four, but the Lions most recently earned a win and cover against the Chargers back on September 15, 2019.
A lot has changed since then.
Can The Lions Play Better?
There’s not much to be mad about with a 6-2 record. However, the Lions’ head coach, Dan Campbell, admitted that they haven’t played their best football yet. Campbell doesn’t want the Lions to get complacent.
Heading into Week 10, the Lions’ offensive starters are all back after missing some time earlier this season. Offensive linemen Frank Ragnow and Jonah Jackson have returned to practice. Starting Running back David Montgomery also joined them in practice earlier this week.
That’s massive news for the Lions.
Los Angeles’ Offense Can Be Better, Too
Although the Chargers earned a 27-6 win over the Jets on Monday, the Chargers only added 191 yards of offense. This was the first time the franchise has had fewer than 200 offensive yards since 2008. It was also the fifth time in franchise history that the Chargers won a game with under 200 offensive yards.
No NFL team has had success against the Jets. But the Chargers should succeed more against an average Lions defense on Sunday.
Detroit’s Run Game Should Be Sensational
The Detroit Lions used the bye week to get healthy. They’ve got two great offensive linemen back and their starting running back.
Although David Montgomery has been the starter for the Lions this football season, Jahmyr Gibbs leads the team with rushing yards. The rookie has added nearly 400 yards on the ground, with two touchdowns on 76 attempts. With a duel threat between Montgomery and Gibbs, the Lions should have success on the ground.
The Chargers have only allowed 81.75 yards per game on the ground. But they’ve allowed some big plays throughout the season and aren’t that great against the run.
The defense is much better rushing the passer. Except the secondary hasn’t played well. Last weekend, the Chargers peaked against the Jets. But facing Jared Goff isn’t easier than taking on Zach Wilson, for example.
On the other hand, Justin Herbert will lead the Chargers. He’s added 13 touchdowns and only four interceptions throwing the football this season. The Chargers have a healthy Austin Ekeler, which has helped, but Los Angeles has still earned under 91 yards rushing per game.
That doesn’t look good compared to Detroit’s 131.38 yards per game on the ground this year. The Chargers will likely lose the turnover differential, especially knowing they don’t get many interceptions.
The Lions have also allowed just 76.75 yards per game on the ground this season. Herbert and the Chargers will be forced to throw the football against the Lions. They’ll succeed, but the Lions will likely have better-sustained drives.
Some are asking who will win Coach of the Year NFL. With a 6-2 record, Dan Campbell is in the running right now with the Lions.
Therefore, after reviewing the Lions vs Chargers NFL betting odds for Sunday’s game, I like many NFL point spreads, including the Lions at -3.
Detroit’s schedule will get easier down the line, while the Chargers will have one of the challenging NFL games schedules in the next few weeks. Maybe this is a look-ahead spot. Let’s take the Lions at -3.
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