Chargers vs Chiefs Picks and Odds: L.A. to Cover SNF on December 8
- Find the best Chargers vs Chiefs NFL odds at BetUS Sportsbook
- The Chargers defense can make things closer than what the NFL spreads indicate
- Get my best Sunday Night Football picks ahead.
The Los Angeles Chargers get another crack at the Kansas City Chiefs in this high-profile AFC West showdown. The Chiefs beat the Chargers soundly in the first game much earlier in the season.
Now, NFL injuries have whittled down these contenders. The Chargers are without a key receiver, something the Chiefs can relate with. Still, we are rolling with the underdogs as the Chiefs continue to struggle to cover.
The Kansas City Chiefs are the luckiest team in the history of football 😐 pic.twitter.com/D60MccF8ae
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) November 30, 2024
Chargers vs Chiefs Game Information
- Game: Chargers (8-4) vs Chiefs (11-1)
- Date/Time: Sunday, Dec. 8, 8:20 p.m. ET
- Location: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
- Chargers vs Chiefs Live Stream: NFL Game Pass
Check the latest NFL betting trends before betting on this game.
Chargers vs Chiefs Odds and Spreads
Place your Bets on Chargers vs Chiefs at BetUS Sportsbook!
2 Chargers vs Chiefs Picks for Sunday Night Football
1. Los Angeles Chargers ATS (+4)
The Chiefs are without a trio of key receivers. But the Chargers losing Ladd McConkey is akin to missing the main cog of their passing offense. The rookie leads the team with 58 receptions, 815 yards, and is second with four receiving touchdowns. But even without him or lead back J.K. Dobbins, the Chargers can cover as an NFL expert pick.
I don’t want to upset anybody after the Chargers pulled out a massive win, but if Ladd McConkey’s knee injury means he is sidelined against the Chiefs, I’m not sure how the Chargers will score a single point.
LAC’s offense even at full strength was bleak with weapons. Take away… pic.twitter.com/BEe2q296wz
— Ryan DePaul (@RyanDePaul) December 1, 2024
“Jim Harbaugh said that Ladd McConkey (knee) is ‘working through a couple things’ and that the team will evaluate where he’s at as the week progresses,” wrote ESPN’s Kris Rhim.
This is a huge blow and is worth monitoring the NFL news for. Still, the Chargers have a stout defense and can make life hard for the Chiefs, especially with its offensive line issues. Mahomes has been pressured on 23.6% of his dropbacks and his average time in the pocket is down to 2.3 seconds. These are the worst stats for KC since 2018.
The Chargers are not known to blitz or pressure quarterbacks relentlessly. But being able to make Mahomes uncomfortable will help their stalwart secondary against the Chiefs’ embattled receivers.
The Chiefs’ defense has also lost a step in recent games. Kansas City gave up 434 yards against the Raiders. It let Carolina score 27 points and needed a clutch field goal to win while Buffalo snapped its unbeaten streak by scoring 30. This is not the Steve Spagnuolo defense we know and it’s partly due to injuries.
So what we have here is a battle between some banged-up teams. The Chargers may struggle with the potential absence of Ladd but the Chiefs have also looked worse for wear. As we are getting four points and the Chiefs have not covered in six straight games, our bet online is with the Chargers.
Bet on Los Angeles Chargers +4
2. Chargers vs Chiefs Under 43
Given all the injuries and inefficiencies, we’re rolling with the under on the online sports betting odds. The bookies paid respect to Mahomes and Andy Reid against Justin Herbert and Jim Harbaugh. You have two uber-talented quarterbacks with two uber-smart head coaches. But these outfits are more defensive than offensive these days.
The Chiefs average 24.1 points while the Chargers add 21.7. This goes over 43 points based solely on this. But if we factor in the defenses where neither team allows 20 points on average, 43 seems a lot. Their first game only had a 27-point total. The Chiefs held the Chargers to 10 points. KC has held eight of its 12 opponents to 20 points or fewer.
The Chargers, on the other hand, lead the NFL in scoring defense at 15.7 per game. While the Chargers are only average in total defense (yards), they have one of the best third-down conversion rates (33.3%) and red-zone touchdown rates (42.9%). Teams can move the ball but the Chargers make stops when it matters.
While the Chiefs’ defense has looked vulnerable lately, the Chargers’ offensive injuries may just “even” things out. Losing Dobbins meant losing their main running threat while a hobbled or absent McConkey threw a wrench in the passing gears.
Los Angeles also plays one of the slowest-paced games. The Chargers want to hold on to the football and milk the clock on their end. On the other hand, they will concede yards against Kansas City but prevent them from scoring. When looking at the best Sunday Night Football picks, go with the under.
Bet on Chargers vs Chiefs Under 43
Questions of the Day
How many points does Los Angeles allow as a visitor?
Los Angeles allows 13.2 points when playing on the road, which is the fewest in the NFL.
What is Kansas City’s over/under record when playing at home?
The over/under is an even 3-3 when Kansas City plays at home.
Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets
