San Diego Chargers vs St. Louis Rams Point Spread Picks

What has happened to the Chargers? During their five-game winning streak from mid September to mid October they averaged 29.4 points per game. But over their last four games, that's plummeted to just 13.5 points per game. Which is more indicitive of the talent of this offense? The fact is, San Diego has had to face some very good teams over their past four games including Denver, KC and Miami. KC and Miami are ranked #3 and #4 in the league in points allowed this season. The fact is, this offense is closer in talen to 30 points per game than 13. St. Louis is ranked 25th in the league in points allowed, so expect Phillip Rivers and the San Diego offense to get back on track this weekend. In addition to a bad defnese, teh Rams offense is one of the worst in the league, scoring just 16.2 points per game on the road this season. San Diego is 8-3 straight-up since last season vs. teams that allow 24+ points per game and Mike McCoy is 6-1 straight-up after a home win. This game may turn out to be close, but I like San Diego to win this one at home. Take them on the moneyline.

The San Diego Chargers are beating teams at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. They are the only NFL team to outgain their opponent in all five games they have played. They have outgained their opponents by nearly 218 yards apergame, but here they are sitting at 2-3. How do you lose three games while out gaining the opponent by over 200 yards per game? Special teams, penalties, turnovers and coaching. The Chargers special teams are so bad that what they have done on both sides of the ball has been negated. Last week they had two punts blocked by Oakland and turnovers in the red-zone. This team hasn't had a bad offensive games yet, or for that matter a bad defensive game, but until they get their turnover issues resolved and special teams up to NFL standards, laying huge numbers is very risky. St. Louis is obviously vastly improved behind Sam Bradford, having already eclipsed their win total from a year ago. Bradford has had good and bad moments, but at least gives the Rams offense more than just Stephen Jackson. The defense is much better and, aside from the egg they laid in Detroit last week, the Rams have not allowed any of the four other teams to top the 17 point mark. The Rams are now 5-1 ATS off an ATS loss and Norv-Turner coached teams are just 13-28 ATS when facing weak opposition (teams at .400 or worse).