Chiefs vs. Chargers Odds, Spread, Prediction: Best Bets for Thursday Night Football
The NFL isn’t messing around with its primetime matchups early on in the 2022-23 NFL season. This Thursday night, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers will kick off Week 2 with a star-studded AFC West showdown.
This should be fun — not just to watch, but to bet on, as well.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the Thursday Night Football matchup and try to find some winning bets along the way.
Chiefs vs. Chargers odds, spread, prediction
Spread: Chiefs -4.5
Total: 53.5
Moneyline: Chiefs -210, Chargers +176
The Chargers escaped with a crucial AFC West victory in Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders, but they’re taking a step up in class this week when they travel to Arrowhead to take on the Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes didn’t seem to miss Tyreek Hill much in Week 1, as he threw for 360 yards and five touchdowns against the Arizona Cardinals.
It shouldn’t be that easy for Mahomes in Week 2. Derwin James, the star safety for the Chargers, has fared well against Travis Kelce in coverage throughout his career. Pro Bowl cornerback J.C. Jackson also looks to be on pace to make his LA debut Thursday night.
We know both Mahomes and Justin Herbert will come to play in primetime, so the X factor for this matchup may very well be the kicking game. Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker has been ruled out for the game due to an ankle injury, and Kansas City signed free agent Matt Ammendola in a panic move to fill his spot.
If this one comes down to the wire, which it should based on the point spread and the recent history between these two teams, I’ll take the Chargers to win at plus odds.
Prediction: Chargers 26, Chiefs 24
Chiefs vs. Chargers best bets
Chargers +4.5 (-112)
I already explained why I like the Chargers to win this game, so it would stand to reason that I love them to cover the 4.5-point spread here. In four career starts against Kansas City, Herbert has two wins and has only lost by more than three points once. That loss came by six points in overtime last season.
The return of Jackson should help LA’s defense immensely, and the Chargers have plenty of offensive firepower even without Keenan Allen to keep up with the Chiefs. Give me the points.
Patrick Mahomes over 17.5 rushing yards
LA’s coaching staff watched carefully as Mahomes picked apart an unprepared Cardinals defense in Week 1. They won’t let that happen Thursday night.
The Chargers are going to try to stop Kansas City’s passing attack at all costs, which should open up plenty of running room for Mahomes. He can realistically hit this over with one rushing attempt.
All betting odds courtesy of FanDuel as of 9/15.
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