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The Detroit Lions visit the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday November 12th, 2023 in SoFi Stadium. The Chargers are coming off of a tough win against the Jets on Monday night football, winning 27-6. Justin Herbert was unable to get the passing game going, but Austin Ekeler found the endzone twice. Keep in mind, this Jets defense is elite and tends to limit offenses each week.

The Lions are coming off of a bye week. Their most recent game was a 26-14 win against the Las Vegas Raiders in week 8. The Lions did not play well overall, but this Raiders team was in shambles when these teams met. Jahmyr Gibbs had an explosive game, and led the charge to this victory. Read my prediction, pick, and odds below. 

Lions vs. Chargers Date, Start Time, And Where To Watch

Date: Sunday, November 12, 2023

Start Time: 4:05 pm ET

Where to Watch: CBS

Lions vs. Chargers Odds

Moneyline: Lions -142, Chargers +120

Spread: Lions -2.5, Chargers +2.5

O/U: 48.5

Lions vs. Chargers Prediction

Justin Herbert threw for 136 yards, 0 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions against the Jets in week 9. The Jets’ defense is elite and whoever faces them each week will have a tough time scoring and moving the ball. It may not be getting any easier for the Chargers, who now face the 5th ranked defense, the Lions are allowing an average of 297 yards per game. The Lions’ rushing defense ranks 2nd, allowing an average of 77 rushing yards per game. This defense is elite. The Lions will look to limit production from Chargers running back Austin Ekeler, forcing Herbert to win in the passing game. Herbert is capable of that, but has not proved it so far this season.

The Lions offense ranks 2nd overall, averaging 390 total yards per game. Lions’ running back David Montgomery is trending towards a return from injury against the Chargers this Sunday. This will only boost an already excellent rushing attack, and if Montgomery can play, the Chargers will have to deal with the Montgomery and Gibbs combo. The Lions will face the 6th ranked rushing defense, the Chargers allow an average of 90 rushing yards per game. The Chargers are lopsided, their passing defense is ranked 32nd, allowing an average of 314 passing yards per game.

Looking at all of these factors, I expect the Lions to be able to run the ball effectively, but be slightly below their rushing averages. However, quarterback Jared Goff should have a great day along with the Lions’ wide receivers. The Chargers will not be able to keep up with the Lions’ offense and the Lions’ defense will limit Herbert and Ekeler enough to cover the spread. I will admit, I am all aboard the Lions’ hype train, and up to this point the only time I have been burned by this team was week 7 against the Ravens. The cherry on top is the Lions are coming off of a bye, which only increases my confidence in my bet. My bet is the Lions -2.5.

Lions vs. Chargers Best Bet

Lions -2.5 (-110 @ Draftkings)