Best Bets for Los Angeles Chargers in 2023: Props to Air Herbert
Chargers Bring “Wild” to the West
Get ready as the Los Angeles Chargers turn the AFC West into the “Wild West.” This group enters 2023 equipped and ready to throw. Quarterback Justin Herbert has brand new shiny weapons in the form of the uber-talented Quentin Johnston at wide receiver and a sly new playcaller in Kellen Moore. Thus, the NFL lines are right to expect an explosive season from the Chargers even if they don’t escape the battle unscathed.
Herbert Lights Up League
We’ve all heard about Justin Herbert. The 6’6” quarterback from Oregon has electrified since Day 1 in the NFL. Now, he’s ready to take his game to the next level. Moore will help turn the Chargers’ offense into the NFL’s best. This is a coach who turned Dallas into the top offense twice. And Herbert is more talented and prolific than Dak Prescott.
On top of that, the Chargers have one of the best offensive lines, a do-it-all running back, and potentially the best wide receiver group. More notably, the Chargers ‘D’ will still be spotty. Combined with a schedule filled with other powerhouse offenses from Kansas City to Buffalo, expect Herbert to have a ridiculous season. We’re talking over 5,000 passing yards, 40+ touchdowns, and multiple NFL accolades.
Looking at the sportsbook’s odds, several are worth betting on:
- Pick: Justin Herbert Passing Yards – Over 4450½ (-115)
- Pick: Justin Herbert Passing Touchdowns – Over 29½ (-125)
- Pick: NFL Passing Yards Leader – Justin Herbert (+500)
- Pick: Offensive Player of the Year – Justin Herbert (+2800)
Johnston Steals the Show
Speaking of Johnston, he is a solid Bet online to be the team’s new top receiver. While Allen and Williams have a more proven track record, the former is constantly hurt and past his prime, while the latter can be too much of a “boom or bust” player. On top of that, defenses will gameplan for both more than Johnston. This gives the spry rookie plenty of opportunities to produce.
- Pick: Quentin Johnston Receiving Yards – Over 585½ (-115)
quentin is slicccckkkkk
📺 | CBS LA + ESTRELLA + NFLN pic.twitter.com/CElJOMvEbT
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) August 26, 2023
Surviving the West
As potent as the Chargers’ offense could be in 2023, it may not directly translate to wins. Los Angeles is still in the middle of a brutal division. The Chiefs are still the top dog, while the Broncos could actually be a functional team now. And the Raiders may appear like the runt of the litter, but they could still win six to seven games.
As such, the Chargers are a tough NFL pick to win more than three games in the division. They went 2-4 last season, getting swept by the Chiefs, and 3-3 in the two seasons prior. The team should finish with a similar record, and it’s still worth betting online.
- Pick: LA Chargers Regular Season Division Wins – Under 3½ (-160)
Not Exactly Cloud Nine Yet
The Chargers remain a shaky contender at best. This franchise has struggled with bad luck, injuries and/or uneven play. Los Angeles is the type of team to upset the Chiefs but get upset by the Raiders. As such, we can’t crown it yet. The defense also remains suspect even with all of its high-profile names.
But as long as Herbert and the offense keep flying, the Chargers’ floor should be at around eight or nine wins. And yet, anything fewer than 10 wins will likely lead to the dismissal of Brandon Staley as head coach. Thus, expect the Chargers to constantly make NFL news, as this team will be in the playoff race all the way to the final weeks of 2023.
- Pick: Alternate Season Wins – Los Angeles Chargers – 9 Wins (-225)
