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Los Angeles Chargers vs Arizona Cardinals: Who wins the Monday night matchup?
The Los Angeles Chargers and the Arizona Cardinals will meet on Monday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.
Are the Chargers a legit contender?
The Los Angeles Chargers are second in the AFC West with a 3-2 record. After two consecutive losses scoring only ten points in each contest, the Chargers bounces back with a 23-16 win over the Denver Broncos on the road. Justin Herbert set season highs in completions with 21 and total yards with 237. It is worth noting that the Chargers started the game without their head coach Jim Harbaugh who was treated by the team’s medical personnel for an irregular heartbeat.
Can the Cardinals turn the season around?
The Arizona Cardinals came into this season hoping to get in the right direction but judging after six weeks, it seems like their time has yet to come. Arizona has lost three of the last four games and is currently third in the NFC West with a 2-4 record. They are coming off a 34-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers on the road. Kyler Murray went 22 of 32 yards for 214 yards, including an 18-yard touchdown to Michael Wilson.
Betting Trends
The Cardinals are 5-15 SU in their last 20 games overall, 1-5 SU in their last 6 home games, and 1-8 SU in their last 9 games games against teams from the AFC. They are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games against the Chargers and 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games played in October. Arizona has played over the total point line in 4 of their last 6 games against teams from the AFC West. The Chargers are 4-10 SU in their last 14 games overall, 5-1 SU in their last 6 games against Arizona, 8-3 SU in their last 11 games against teams from the NFC West, and 6-3 SU in their last 9 games in October. They are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games against Arizona and 5-1 ATS in their last 6 visits to Arizona. Los Angeles has played under the total point line in 6 of their last 7 games overall, 8 of their last 10 games on the road, and 5 of their last 6 games against teams from the NFC.
Prediction and Conclusion
The Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Chargers are entering this game with more than just a victory on the line after an unpredictable season. Despite having a winning record, the Chargers’ offense is among the worst in the league. Justin Herbert, one of the NFL’s highest-paid quarterbacks, has not exceeded 237 yards in five games this season and only averages 163 passing yards per game. In their first season under head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers are tied for 26th place in the league in terms of scoring offense (18.2 points per game) and 28th in terms of total offense (281 yards per game). The Chargers should not pass up the opportunity to play against one of the league’s worst defenses, which is good news for them. With a scoring defense average of 27.2 points per game, the Arizona Cardinals are tied for 27th place in the league. They are coming off a 34–13 loss to the Green Bay Packers, and they have given up 34 points or more three times this season. Following rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.’s concussion and subsequent absence from the game last week, things will not get any easier for the Cardinals. On game day, his availability will be assessed, and he will continue to be in concussion protocol. Harrison, who had 17 receptions for team highs of 279 yards and four touchdowns, was chosen with the fourth pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Arizona has already ruled out inside linebacker Owen Pappoe, defensive lineman Darius Robinson, and lineman Kelvin Beachum. Similar issues face the Chargers, as wideout Quentin Johnston, cornerbacks Kristian Fulton and Deane Leonard, rusher Joey Bosa, and Hayden Hurst are all doubtful for Monday’s game. The Chargers still have an advantage over the Cardinals, though. With this game, Herbert might be able to shut a lot of mounts, but he still has a lot to prove this season. We pick the Chargers to win this one on the road because of that.
