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Chargers Aim to Stifle Burrow, Bengals with Strong Defense

SoFi Stadium has a contest on tap as the Bengals and the Chargers will both be trying to pick up a win.

(Photo by Getty Images) Joe Burrow

Cincinnati (4-6-0) at LA Chargers (6-3-0)

  • When: Nov 17 2024, 8:20 PM
  • Where: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
  • Where to watch: NBC

Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total

Cincinnati Bengals @ Los Angeles Chargers
Moneyline

Cincinnati Bengals   EVEN
Los Angeles Chargers   -120

Cincinnati Bengals @ Los Angeles Chargers
Point Spread

Cincinnati Bengals   1.5 (-115)
Los Angeles Chargers   -1.5 (-105)

Cincinnati Bengals @ Los Angeles Chargers
Total

Over   48.5 (-110)
Under   48.5 (-110)

Key Players:
Cincinnati: Joe Burrow 2672 Yds
LA Chargers: Justin Herbert 1889 Yds

Team Stats

Bengals   Chargers
4-6 Record 6-3
3-2 Away & Home 3-1
6-4-0 ATS 6-3-0
7-3-0 O/U 2-7-0

Last Matchup:
LAC 41-22, December 5th, 2021

Game Preview

Sunday night football takes center stage as the Los Angeles Chargers host the Cincinnati Bengals in a primetime clash featuring two of the league’s brightest young quarterbacks. Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow, both first-round picks from the 2020 NFL Draft, headline this marquee matchup, which carries significant playoff implications.

The Chargers (6-3), riding a three-game win streak, have emerged as playoff contenders thanks to their improving defense and balanced play. Meanwhile, the Bengals (4-6) are still clawing their way toward postseason eligibility, sitting just one game out of the final AFC playoff spot.

This matchup pits the Bengals’ high-powered offense, averaging 27 points per game (fifth in the NFL), against a Chargers defense allowing a league-best 13.1 points per game. However, the Chargers’ softer schedule has raised questions about whether their defense can stand up to elite competition. Sunday’s showdown provides a perfect test.

The Chargers defense made a statement in last week’s 27-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans, registering seven sacks despite star pass rusher Khalil Mack (groin) being limited. With 31 sacks this season (tied for fourth in the league), Los Angeles has leaned on contributions from Bud Dupree and Tuli Tuipulotu, who each tallied two sacks last week. However, Mack’s availability remains uncertain for this critical game.

On the other side, the Bengals boast the NFL’s fourth-ranked passing offense, averaging 254.8 yards per game. Joe Burrow leads the league with 2,672 passing yards and is tied for the most touchdown passes with 24. Last week, Burrow threw for four TDs, but the Bengals fell short in a 35-34 thriller against the Baltimore Ravens.

Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase was electric in that loss, racking up 264 yards and three touchdowns on 11 catches. Chase’s explosive performance will be a focal point as the Bengals look to exploit the Chargers’ secondary.

The Bengals have had time to regroup after their narrow defeat and prepare for another Harbaugh-led team. "They’re disciplined, they’ll try to limit big plays and control the clock," Burrow said of Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers, drawing comparisons to their recent matchup with the Ravens.

Injury concerns loom for both teams. For the Chargers, cornerback Deane Leonard (hamstring) is questionable, while Mack’s status remains uncertain. The Bengals will be without receiver Charlie Jones (groin) and could also miss linebacker Joe Bachie (hip). Burrow, dealing with wrist and biceps issues, practiced fully Friday and is expected to play, while Tee Higgins (quad) remains limited.

With playoff stakes rising, expect both teams to leave it all on the field. Can Herbert continue the Chargers’ hot streak, or will Burrow and the Bengals reignite their playoff hopes? Betters should watch for last-minute injury updates before making a play on this high-stakes AFC showdown.

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NFL Parlay Picks & Predictions

Final Score: Cincinnati 23-20
Expert Pick: Cincinnati (+100) & Under 48½
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $383

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