NFL News

Home

Teams

Quizzes

Watch

Newsletter

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16). Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

NFL Week 10: Detroit Lions vs. Los Angeles Chargers, betting picks, preview

By Matt Wiesenfeld | Last updated 11/9/23

The Detroit Lions are one of the best stories in the NFL this season. They are currently second in the NFC as we enter the second half of the campaign. Meanwhile, the Chargers are 4-4 and every week seems to either be a reason for excitement or confirmation of grand disappointment. I guess that makes them appointment viewing, even if it makes it tough for us bettors.

Detroit Lions vs. Los Angeles Chargers Betting Trends and Odds

Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023 — 4:05 p.m. ET
Odds: Detroit -3, Over/under 48.5, Detroit -155 | Los Angeles +130

I don't know what the look-ahead line was for this game a few months back but I am guessing that the Chargers were favored, and it is not like they are missing their quarterback either — although Justin Herbert does have a finger injury. This is the new Detroit reality. When games are lined at -3 or less your best approach is to go with who you think will win. They usually wind up covering.

Picks for Detroit vs. Los Angeles

Detroit -3, Detroit Over 27.5 Points (+140 - alt line)

It says a lot about how things have changed that Detroit is the more reliable team. The simple fact is that they are more complete. Quarterback Jared Goff might not be able to win games by himself, but since coming to Detroit he rarely loses them for the Lions. This season, the biggest difference is that the defense has been very good, they are fifth in yards allowed. They are stronger against the run than the pass but for the first time in a long time that might have to do with their game scripts. This season, they have been a team giving up yards in garbage time, not the other way around. They bounced back well from a bad loss at Baltimore and on the road this season they are 3-1 SUATS. There is no reason to be afraid expecting them to win.

In those three road wins, the Lions have not scored under 20 points. They are averaging 25 ppg for the season and against one of the worst defenses in the league, I see no reason for that average not to grow. The best part here is the payoff gap from 26.5 to 27.5. You are getting a significant bump that is well worth the risk. The Chargers are the worst team in the NFL against the pass.

So far Detroit is drawing in the most interest, in tickets, and in money. Moving off that critical number is going to be tough though. I think this one holds steady where it is and it will definitely be a teaser favorite.

Start your betting day right! Sign up for Bark Bets, the best sports betting newsletter on the web!

More must-reads: