Chargers vs. Rams: Why Chargers Are the Best Bet to Cover

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Game Time Decisions

Chargers Backed to Cover Against the Rams After the Bye

The Chargers are coming out of the bye as seven-point underdogs against the Rams. With both teams sharing the same home field, the matchup was viewed as a neutral-site game and a potential buy-low opportunity on the Chargers.

The expectation is that the Chargers will improve during the second half of the season. Even if they remain one of the league’s worst teams, their games could become closer as they begin to play better. Jim Harbaugh’s history of doing well as a head coach was also cited as a reason to expect a turnaround.

The biggest concern is the Chargers’ talent on the outside and the lack of weapons for Herbert. Quentin Johnson was identified as their best option, while McConkie has not been fully healthy. The offense under McDaniels was also described as difficult for the team to figure out.

The Chargers were suggested as a possible candidate to post one of the NFL’s best records against the spread in the second half of the season. While backing them on the money line was considered too risky, taking the seven points was the preferred side.

The Rams’ win over the Raiders was not considered as convincing as the final score suggested. The Raiders failed on several short fourth-down attempts, giving the Rams favorable field position, yet still managed to make it a competitive game.

There may also be more pressure on the Rams. They are 3-4 and facing a winless Chargers team, meaning a loss would drop them to 3-5. The Rams entered the season with major expectations after adding Miles Garrett to a roster featuring Pukunakua, Williams and other top players, placing a target on them from the start.

Ultimately, the Rams were viewed as having no business laying seven points. The Chargers were the only side to take, with the game expected to be closer than many anticipate.