San Diego Chargers at St. Louis Rams Odds

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The San Diego Chargers, which began the season among the favorites to win the Super Bowl, find themselves at just 2-3. However, it may not be time to hit the panic button just yet. You might recall that San Diego also started last season 2-3 before winning its final 11 games.

A game with 2-3 St. Louis, which endured a 38-point loss at Detroit last week, could be just what the doctor ordered for San Diego. NFL odds makers certainly haven’t lost any confidence in this team, listing the Chargers as an 8.5-point road favorite with the total set at 45.

No one in their right mind will argue that St. Louis is a better football team than San Diego. However, very few would have argued that Kansas City, Seattle or Oakland were better football teams.

Turnovers and poor special teams play can get anyone beat, even a Super Bowl contender. San Diego will especially need to clean up its special teams play if it is going to cover this number Sunday.

Last week, the Raiders blocked two punts, which accounted for nine points, in their upset of the Chargers.

Back on September 26, San Diego allowed Seattle’s Leon Washington to return two kickoffs for touchdowns in an upset defeat.

In their season opener, the Chargers gave up return touchdowns to Dexter McCluster and Javier Arenas in a losing effort.

One thing is certain, the Chargers need to beef up their special teams units. Playing some starters on special teams should not be out of the question at this point. I know the injury risk, but would they rather continue to lose to teams they are outgaining by 200 yards?

The Chargers rank first in the NFL in total offense (461.8 ypg) and second in total defense (246.2 ypg). Yet, they are 2-3. Something has to be done.

From a betting perspective, San Diego backers will like to know that their team is a perfect 6-0 against the spread in its last six games following an against the spread defeat.

The Rams were absolutely destroyed in Detroit last Sunday.  They displayed some of the same problems that have plagued the Chargers all season.

The Rams allowed a 105-yard kickoff return and a pick-six as the previously-winless Lions racked up 44 points. In that game, St. Louis had three turnovers and Detroit had none.

One of the keys to defeating San Diego has been winning the turnover battle, which Kansas City, Seattle and Oakland all did. The Rams must clean up their play to do the same if they hope to give the Chargers a game this week.

Fortunately, St. Louis will be back home where it has played its best football. The Rams have won their last two home games, which includes a 20-3 blowout over division rival Seattle.

In both wins, rookie quarterback Sam Bradford has played well. That may be more difficult now that an already thin wide receiver corps has lost Mark Clayton to a season-ending knee injury. This just adds insult to injury with Donnie Avery already sidelined.

Now Danny Amendola will be counted on to carry the load. He had 12 catches for 95 yards last week.

It is certainly worth noting that the Chargers are 2-5 against the spread in their last seven games as a favorite of 3.5-10.0 points, while the Rams are 5-2 against the number in their last seven games as an underdog of 3.5-10.0 points.

About the Author: Jimmy Boyd is known for his consistency. He's a proven winner in college and pro football, college and pro basketball and pro baseball. He finished as the No. 1 ranked MLB handicapper in 2007 by earning $1,000/game bettors $50,050. He also finished as the No. 1 ranked basketball handicapper in the 2008-09 season, profiting $1,000/game bettors 38,530. His basketball plays have banked $1,000/game bettors nearly $80,000 the last five years. Check out Jimmy's premium picks for tonight!
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