NFL Betting Predictions – Chargers vs Lions
There is probably not a team hotter in the league right now than the San Diego Chargers.
San Diego Chargers vs Detroit Lions
Ford Field – Detroit, MI
Sunday December 24 – 4:05PM
Moneyline: Detroit -140, San Diego +125
Spread (ATS): Detroit -2.5
Over/Under: 52.5
Odds courtesy of 5Dimes
San Diego
With their wins over the past few weeks they have snuck back into the playoff picture while giving coach Norv Turner a temporary stay of execution. If they can win the next two ball games they might be able to sneak into the playoff picture, depending on how some other teams play over the final two weeks.
Earlier this season when the Chargers were struggling QB Phillip Rivers looked just awful. Over the past three games he has found the form that made him one of the top passers in the league and Ryan Matthews has also found his stride running the ball. Before rushing for 90 yards against Baltimore last week he had rushed for 112 yards or more in three straight games.
The offense should be able to score against Detroit so it might be up to the defense to continue with their winning ways. In the past three contests they have given up 14, 10, and 14 points. If they can hold the Lions to either of those numbers they should win again but Detroit is one of the top scoring teams in the league. You can’t say the same for Baltimore, Buffalo and Jacksonville.
Detroit
Last week was a huge victory for the Detroit Lions. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Not only did they win in late dramatic fashion but with 9 wins they are very close to making it back to the playoffs. One win in the last two games would seal it and it would be so much sweeter and more likely to do so at home than next week at Green Bay. They have won their last two and have to keep the momentum going.
Matthew Stafford was in fine form last week guiding the Lions to the impressive comeback victory. There are lots of QBs having great seasons and he seems to be getting a little bit lost in the shuffle. Luckily his numbers speak for themselves – 4145 yards with 33 TDs. Not bad considering the rushing game is ranked 28th in the league and has been hampered by injuries all season.
Defensively the Lions need to tighten things up though. In the six games since the bye week they have not given up less than 27 points, making it no surprise that they are just 3-3. Before the bye they gave up 27 points or more just once and were 6-2. With their sagging defensive numbers has come poor ATS numbers as well. The Lions were a great bet early but are just 1-4-1 ATS since the bye.
ATS Pick: Detroit -2.5
Over/Under Pick: Over
Score Prediction: Detroit 33 – San Diego 28
