The Detroit Lions (0-0-1) and Los Angeles Chargers (1-0) will lock horns in an AFC vs. NFC cross-conference clash. Kick-off time is at 1:00 PM on Sunday, September 15th, 2019, when the two meet at Ford Field in the Motor City of Detroit, Michigan. The game is televised on CBS. Los Angeles and Detroit last met in 2015 when the Bolts were still in San Diego. The Chargers went on to defeat the Lions by a score of 33-28 covering as a 3.5-point favorite. Overall, Los Angeles is 4-1 ATS against the Lions in the last five meetings between sides dating back to 1996.
Los Angeles Chargers at Detroit Lions Key Injury Concerns
A notable absence comes from the Chargers camp as Running Back Melvin Gordon has found himself on the IR / Did Not Report list after holding out of training camp in hopes of acquiring a new contract. As a result, Gordon will not be back in the fold until Week Six.
Los Angeles Chargers at Detroit Lions Overview
Los Angeles Chargers
Overtime was required to get the Chargers clear of the Andrew Luck-less Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Despite closing as a six-point home favorite, the Chargers could only produce a push with a 30-24 victory that required extra time to declare a victor. The Bolts led by as much 15 points until a resilient Colts team fought back to equalize with 38 seconds remaining in regulation.
Detroit Lions
The Lions come into this affair with neither a win nor a loss to their name as they were involved in a deadlock draw with the Arizona Cardinals in Week One. Detroit also went the distance and played full overtime unable to overcome the Cards in a 27-27 tie. Money Line players of the Lions were refunded their bets, but those that laid the 2.5 road points to Arizona found themselves ripping up their tickets.
Reasons to Avoid Los Angeles
There are several reasons why it would be well-advised to stay clear of the Bolts in this spot. First, Los Angeles proved that it struggles to hold leads which can come back to haunt them against more potent offenses such as this Detroit team led by gunslinger Quarterback Matthew Stafford. Moreover, Los Angeles’ victory was a hard-fought one against a team that has a very low ceiling after losing their franchise quarterback. The Chargers also had the benefit of home-field advantage, but that didn’t quell the Indianapolis rally either. It might be an entirely different set of circumstances with the Bolts now on the road against a better team on paper.
Reasons to Back Detroit
The Chargers look too easy here, and they are offered a traditionally underdog-friendly number. The 2.5-point line is a hook to entice action on the favorite with the guise of an easy cover should Los Angeles in this case win by just a field goal. However, what it truly says is that the market lacks confidence that the Bolts will be able to do such a thing and if anything would imply that an upset could be imminent. Given how droves of action have already poured in on the Chargers in this spot, it would suggest that the bait has been taken and prompts us to go the other way and back the underdog.
- Get more details: Chargers at Lions NFL Match-up Stats
