Los Angeles Chargers vs Washington Football Team Point Spread Picks

Los Angeles had a knack for losing close games under former coach Anthony Lynn, so he was fired and Brandon Staley, the Rams' former defensive coordinator, was hired to reverse that trend. Quarterback Justin Herbert threw for 4,336 yards and 31 touchdowns as a rookie, and his prospects are even brighter this year as the Chargers upgraded the offensive line, signing center Corey Linsley along with Matt Feiler and drafting tackle Rashawn Slater. The defense obviously will be in good hands with Staley at the helm, and he's known for a lot of deception along with blitzes and twists. The Rams led the league in points and yards allowed in 2020 and were among the leaders in interceptions with Staley coaching them. The Chargers did win their final four games, but it wasn't enough to save Lynn's job. Washington lost three of its last four games, including to Tampa Bay in the playoffs, but it was able to win the title in the weak NFC East. Ron Rivera's team started 1-5 last year, and the defense might have to carry the team again, although Ryan Fitzpatrick is the new quarterback and playing for his ninth team, nothing is guaranteed in his checkered career. The Chargers are 15-7-2 ATS their past 24 road games and 6-0 UNDER its last six September games. Also, Washington has stayed UNDER six of its last seven home games. Take the Chargers and UNDER.

Washington has plenty of offensive punch behind QB Kirk Cousins (21 TDs, eight INTs) at #12 in the NFL in yards per game and #12 in passing. The Redskins are on a 12-5 ATS run on the road, plus 10-4 ATS after a spread loss. The offense carries the load as Washington's defense is #19 in yards allowed and #30 in points (26.2 points per game) surrendered. The Redskins are on a 25-8 run OVER the total, including 19-7 OVER on the road. Washington is off a 38-14 disaster at Dallas, but has been a great bounce back team. After their two biggest defeats this season, they bounced back and beat the Rams on the road (27-20) as a +3 dog and won 17-14 at Seattle as a +8.5 dog. The Redskins are 43-26 ATS as a road underdog of 3.5 to 7 points. The Los Angeles Chargers are ninth in total yards on offense and second in passing behind QB Philip Rivers, but the Chargers have few fans or a home field edge, on a 7-20 spread run at home, as well as 6-14 ATS after a victory. They are also 62-40 OVER the total in non-conference games. Play both Washington and the OVER.

The AFC West has risen above all others in surprising fashion this season, while the NFC East does not own a team over .500. One quick look reveals part of the puzzle. The AFC West has dominated the NFC East this season, having already gone 9-1 straight up in the 10 meetings with only last place Oakland suffering the defeat. Washington just doesn't look like the same team as a year ago, and a factor is the health of RGIII. Griffin is slowly getting healthier, but he isn't the same dual threat he was, and his offensive line is allowing him to take a lot of hits. The Skins' defense has been pitiful, and in comes a revived Phillip Rivers who is so far enjoying his best season ever. He's completing 74% of his passes and has posted a sky-high 111.1 passer rating, throwing 15 TDs to just five interceptions. How did Washington fare last week against another great QB? San Diego's defense has not allowed a team to get into the end zone in nine quarters now, and is playing at a higher level. Right now the Chargers are the better team, and playing better. I'll hedge on any potential late line changes, and opt for the Chargers on the moneyline.

The December version of the Chargers is akin to Reggie Jackson in baseball. Jackson was Mr. October and the Chargers own the month of December. The Redskins dropped their last two in big division rival games by a combined deficit of 62-12. If they were a no show in two big games vs. hated division rivals at home, what do they have to bring to the table for a week 17 road contest vs. an AFC team? My projection is nothing! The Chargers have too much mojo working now in a 10-game winning streak to fall and close on a negative here. They want to keep their momemtum and Norv Turner said this week his team is preparing like any other game and that his starters will play. While there are no question marks on this team mentally or physically, they don't need to create any here, so I expect them to take care of business. The Chargers have carved up poor pass defenses (those allowing over 60% completions). They are 17-7 ATS the last three seasons vs. such teams including 14-1 ATS in late-season play! The Skins 3-10-2 ATS mark after falling at home by 10+ sets the stage, and the Bolts’ 21-7 ATS mark as a favorite of 3.5-10 at home brings the curtain down! I'm on the Chargers here.