Cardinals-Chargers Betting Preview: Can Phillip Rivers Cover This Massive Spread?

Betting odds: Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Chargers

• Spread: Chargers -13
• Over/Under: 44
• Time: 4:05 p.m. ET
• TV channel: FOX

Betting market: With nearly 70% of bets and more than 80% of dollars at the time of writing (see live data here), the Chargers have moved from large favorites to gigantic favorites.  — Mark Gallant

Trends to know: The Cardinals have struggled offensively, averaging 14.5 points per game (31st in the NFL). Many recreational gamblers will fade Arizona given its poor offensive performance, but that could be mistake on Sunday.

Since 2003, teams that average 20 or fewer points per game have gone 198-158-10 (55.5%) against the spread when getting double-digit points, per our Bet Labs data. — John Ewing

Philip Rivers and the Chargers lost a nail-biter to the Broncos, 23-22, on a last-second field goal at home.

Rivers is 21-13-1 (61.8%) ATS, profiting bettors 7.4 units coming off a home loss, making him the most profitable quarterback in that spot since he made his first start in 2006.

But there's a catch: When Rivers plays at home in his next game, the Chargers are only 5-7 ATS, failing to cover six of his past seven games straight-up and against the spread. — Evan Abrams

Biggest mismatch: Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram vs. Cardinals' offensive line

The Chargers' pass-rush has struggled this season — they're 21st in pressure rate, per Sports Info Solutions — but they did get Bosa back last week, and he generated two pressures, one quarterback hit and one hurry on 31 snaps.

Even if he's playing limited snaps, Bosa could be a terror in the trenches against a Cardinals offensive line that ranks 21st in Football Outsiders' adjusted sack rate.

Additionally, Ingram is Pro Football Focus' No. 13 pass-rushing defensive end. He’s generated 43 pressures, six sacks, nine hits and 28 hurries through 10 games.

Given that the Cardinals are 13-point underdogs, the Chargers could have plenty of opportunities for sacks in this game.— Justin Bailey

Which team is healthier? Chargers

Bosa (foot) will start Sunday, but will have to go on without starting defensive tackle Corey Liuget (quad, IR). Wide receiver Tyrell Williams (quad) and running back Austin Ekeler (neck) are tentatively expected to suit up.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals are dealing with several more injuries. Linebacker Deone Bucannon (chest), wide receiver Chad Williams (ankle), slot corner Budda Baker (knee), safety Rudy Ford (heel) and left tackle D.J. Humphries (knee) didn't practice to open the week.

Note: Info as of Thursday. See our Injury Report for daily practice participation and game statuses up until kickoff. — Ian Hartitz

DFS edge: As a 13-point home favorite, this game sets up well for Melvin Gordon, who is averaging 20.6 touches per game. Per our FantasyLabs Trends tool, running backs with comparable salaries and spreads have averaged a +1.28 FanDuel Plus/Minus.

Gordon’s +4.59 Projected Plus/Minus leads all running backs on FanDuel. — Bailey

Bet to watch: Chargers -13

The Cardinals’ new-found "success" on offense under offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich is encouraging for David Johnson fantasy owners, but they’ve scored 21 or fewer points in mouth-watering matchups against the 49ers, Chiefs and Raiders.

Up next is a Chargers defense that's expected to have Bosa for a full complement of snaps for the first time this season.

Add in an injury-riddled Cardinals defense and rookie quarterback on the road, and I’ll take the Chargers to win by at least two touchdowns.— Hartitz

Editor’s note: The opinions on this game are from the individual writers and are based on their research, analysis and perspective. They are independent of, and may not always match with, the algorithm-driven Best Bets from Sports Insights.