Chargers vs. Rams Point Spread: NFL Preseason Odds, Prediction

The Los Angeles Chargers will visit the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday Night (8:00 PM ET) in the first ‘#FightForLA’. Let’s take a closer look at that matchup.

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Los Angeles Rams

The Chargers will play in Los Angeles this season, joining the Rams, who moved there last season. It’s the first time the two sides will square off in the City of Angels, although they did have an intense joined practice earlier this month. There aren’t high expectations for either team as of right now, although both rosters have talent. It will be interesting to see if either side can impress and start winning over some fans in their new city.

Point Spread and Odds Analysis

The Rams are set as 2.5-point favourites on the NFL odds board, with the total at 42.

Both head coaches are on the job for their first time as Anthony Lynn (Chargers) and Sean McVay (Rams) are rookie head coaches. However, it definitely looks like McVay cares more about these exhibition games than Lynn. The Rams have won both of their preseason games, each time by exactly a field goal. The Chargers have lost both of their contests, scoring a total of 24 points in those two games. Minus the 99-yard interception returned for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of Week 2, this team hasn’t scored very much.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers have a lot to prove but the question is will they bother? Starting quarterback Philip Rivers has thrown a total of six passes in the preseason (didn’t play in Week 2) and lead running back Melvin Gordon has handled just 11 carries. The Chargers starters haven’t seen much action so far but they should get a longer look in the third week of the preseason.

Los Angeles Rams

The Rams’ strong preseason makes you wonder whether they’re a different team from last year or if they’re just taking these games more seriously than their opponents. One player who has looked much better is quarterback Jared Goff. After a tumultuous rookie season, he needed to take some positive steps this preseason and he has. He’s looked poised and competent, completing 19-of-24 passes so far for 194 yards, a touchdown and no turnovers. Four of his five drives have led to points.

Given how both teams have trended so far, it looks like the favoured Rams are the better play.

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Los Angeles Rams prediction:

Rams 27-21