Chargers at Bengals Odds

Written by Matthew Martz

While the Bengals don’t have much more to play for, the Chargers postseason destiny already seems sealed, as they are one game behind Kansas City in the division and a wild-card berth is unlikely as they are two games behind Baltimore and the New York Jets.

Our latest NFL odds have the Chargers as -7 ½ in this one with an over/under of 44 points.

Still, the Bolts will come to play behind standout QB Phillip Rivers who has the second best passing offense in the NFL and has thrown for 4,141 yards and 29 touchdowns with just 11 INTs.

The Bolts sure turned things around after starting the year 2-5, and went on a tear including a stretch of six wins and a single loss to the Raiders in Week 13. However, that loss to Oakland can be labeled as the one that ended their hopes of clinching the clubs fifth straight AFC West title as well as knocking them out of playoff contention.

The Chargers have played masterfully at times and besides Rivers’ golden arm, have also been able to nurture their rushing attack back from extinction. Running back Mike Tolbert leads the charge with 737 yards and 11 touchdowns while Ryan Mathews is looking to have a bright future after several early season setback and rookie mistakes.

As good as the offense is, the defense has been that much better, and ranks third against the pass and 11th against the run. Shaun Phillips leads the Bolts pass rush with 11 sacks while Antoine Cason has snatched a team-high four of the Chargers 14 interceptions for the year.

That could play a huge role in cutting off the Bengals passing attack in this one, as QB Carson Palmer has thrown 18 interceptions so far this season. Offensively, the Bengals have been dreadful with many of Carson’s 3,396 passing yards and 21 touchdowns, coning in garbage time.

The season has been a huge disappointment for Cincinnati as they went from first to worst in the AFC North in just a single season and have one of the worst records in the entire NFL this season.

Running back Cedric Benson has gained 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground but he too has continued to perform a little too late.

Flashy and sometimes controversial wide receiver Terrell Owens leads the Bengals in receiving, but will miss the remainder of the year, leaving Chad Ochocinco as Carson’s main target.

Defensively, the Bengals have not been kittens, holding the opposition to just 25.9 points per game. With plenty of young talent, this could be the core strength of for the team heading into next season.

Matt’s Free Prediction: San Diego -7 ½ – I expect the Chargers to win this one outright with their ability to move the ball and their stingy defense.

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