Cardinals vs Chargers Odds
| Cardinals Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -106 | 48.5 -115o / -105u | +120 |
| Chargers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -114 | 48.5 -115o / -105u | -142 |
There’s desperation in the desert as the Chargers and Cardinals face off in a pivotal game for each team.
A loss for the Chargers makes it three in a row and could deliver a major blow to their once promising playoff prospects. A loss for the Cardinals means head coach Kliff Kingsbury could join Frank Reich and Matt Rhule on the unemployment line.
This might be a high-scoring affair as both defenses are among the worst in the league. Arizona gives up the second-most points per game (26.9), which is only slightly better than the Bolts, who surrender the fourth-most (25.8).
But can a pair of offenses that’ve failed to live up to expectations take advantage? Let’s take a closer look at how this game might play out.
Cardinals vs. Chargers Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how the Cardinals and Chargers match up statistically:
Cardinals vs. Chargers DVOA Breakdown
 | Offense | Defense |  Edge |
| Overall DVOA | 24 | 24 | |
| Pass DVOA | 19 | 22 | |
| Rush DVOA | 31 | 23 | |
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Overall DVOA | 29 | 19 | |
| Pass DVOA | 29 | 11 | |
| Rush DVOA | 27 | 30 | |
Justin Herbert is having a disappointing season by his lofty standards, but he’s still Justin freakin’ Herbert. He’ll have Keenan Allen back in the fold for the second straight week — that’s a game changer.
Herbert’s simply a different quarterback when his favorite weapon is on the field. In fact, he recorded his highest completion percentage (76.6) and yards per attempt (9.33) last week in Allen’s return.
That’s terrible news for an Arizona defense giving up the most passing touchdowns (21) and third-most completions per game (24.2). The Cards also have the fifth-worst expected points contributed by passing defense (-64.61%), according to Pro Football Reference.
Meanwhile, Austin Ekeler has a plum matchup. His 69 receptions are the fifth-most in the league, far and away the most among running backs. He should have a field day against a Cardinals defense surrendering the sixth-most receiving yards (449) to the position.
Chargers -3 | Cardinals +3
For the Cardinals, Kyler Murray’s return provides a major boon for an offense that's struggled without him. Still, it’s anyone’s guess if his gimpy hamstring could hamper him.
Regardless, the Murray-DeAndre Hopkins connection could have a big day. Hopkins leads the league with a 78% catch rate, which measures the percentage of passes completed to a receiver. Additionally, Marquise Brown is set to return after missing the last five games with a fractured finger. It’ll be the first time Brown and Hopkins play in the same game. The Bolts must account for Brown’s ability to stretch the field, which should open things up further for Hopkins. Los Angeles’ secondary is also a bit banged up with Nasir Adderley doubtful and Michael Davis questionable.
While Arizona is predominately a passing offense, watch for them to lean on James Conner against a porous Chargers run defense ranked 30th in DVOA (7.1%), per Football Outsiders. They’re giving up the third-most yards per game on the ground (148.4) and most yards per carry (5.5). Conner hasn’t posted elite numbers due to limited opportunities and injuries, but he ranks ninth in success rate (54%) and 11th in DVOA when given the chance.
It’s hard trusting a middling rushing attack ranked 27th in DVOA (-15.7%), but given the opponent, this might be the breakout game Arizona’s been waiting for.
Betting Picks
Let’s be blunt: It’s impossible to trust either team. I have the slightest of leans toward the Chargers, but when push comes to shove, I simply can’t do it. They may be 5-0 ATS on the road, but the Bolts haven’t won a game by more than three since Week 5.
Moreover, I just can’t pull the trigger after watching them in the second half of games. Los Angeles looks like world-beaters in the first, then turns into a pumpkin after halftime. The Chargers score the third-most points over the first thirty minutes (15.2 ppg), but the coaches struggle adjusting in the second as they rank 28th (7.2).
The opposite is true of the Cardinals. They’re the eighth-worst offense in the first half (9.2) but eighth-best in the second (12.1).
Add it all up and I’m rolling with the Bolts winning the first half. My main debate is taking them ATS or straight-up, but the odds are close enough that I’m taking the latter.
Pick: Chargers 1H ML |
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