Chargers vs. Rams Point Spread: NFL Pre-Season Week 1 Odds, Prediction
The Chargers have lost five straight in preseason action, and have failed to cover in four straight August contests while averaging just 12.5 points per game. The Rams have not fared much better in recent preseason action, losing five of six since 2019, with their lone victory during that stretch coming in last year’s 29-22 victory over the Chargers.
The Rams return to action on Saturday pegged as 3-point favourites on the NFL preseason odds. The Chargers trail as +128 moneyline underdogs, while the total is pegged at just 34.0.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Saturday’s matchup marks the fourth preseason clash between crosstown rivals since 2017. The Chargers have won and covered in two straight August dates with the Rams before coming up short in last year’s 29-22 loss 3-point chalk.
Last year’s matchup also marked the highest-scoring preseason game involving these teams since 2005, with just 24 total points per game getting scored in their three previous tilts. Despite the trend towards low scoring, the OVER has gone 3-2-2 in the past seven preseason meetings between these local rivals.
Los Angeles Chargers
Head coach Brandon Staley has maintained a strict policy of resting starters in preseason contests and should be expected to do the same again on Saturday night with such stars as passer Justin Herbert, Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.
However, with an intriguing class of rookies making an impression in training camp, there is plenty of reason for Chargers fans to be excited about tuning in. Selected 21st overall by the Chargers in the 2023 NFL Draft, receiver Quentin Johnston quickly developed chemistry with Herbert in camp, but will have to settle for being targeted by the duo of Easton Stick and rookie Max Duggan, who are expected to battle to be Herbert’s backup.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams have also maintained a steady tradition of resting starters in preseason games since Sean McVay took over the team’s coaching reins. That is likely to continue considering general manager Les Snead’s recent comments about veterans like Rob Havenstein and Tyler Higbee receiving “non-preseason-play treatment”.
It will also be quite surprising to see veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford suit up for Saturday’s game, particularly given the positive reports coming out of camp about rookie pivot Stetson Bennett. A two-time College Football Playoff national champion with Georgia, Bennett has been working closely with Stafford in camp, but must compete for the backup role with Brett Rypien, who is also likely to take snaps on Saturday in what is shaping up as a battle of young rookie passers.
LAC
LAR