Chargers Picks and Betting Odds

Los Angeles Chargers History

The Los Angeles Chargers were founded in 1959 by hotel heir Barron Hilton and were one of the eight original teams of the American Football League (AFL). The team began play in 1960 but relocated to San Diego after just one season due to low attendance. They were renamed the San Diego Chargers and became a significant part of the city’s sports culture.

The Chargers were successful in the AFL, winning the AFL Championship in 1963. After the AFL-NFL merger in 1970, the Chargers became part of the NFL. Throughout the years, they had various periods of success, notably in the 1980s under quarterback Dan Fouts, known for their high-powered “Air Coryell” offense.

In 2017, after 56 years in San Diego, the Chargers relocated back to Los Angeles. The decision to return to L.A. was controversial among fans but was part of a broader effort to establish a larger fanbase and share the newly built SoFi Stadium with the Los Angeles Rams. The Chargers continue to build their identity in L.A., aiming to establish themselves as a major force in the NFL.

Chargers Timeline

• 1959: The Los Angeles Chargers are founded as one of the original eight teams in the American Football League (AFL).
• 1960: The Chargers play their inaugural season in Los Angeles but relocate to San Diego after just one year due to low attendance.
• 1961: The team is renamed the San Diego Chargers.
• 1963: The Chargers win the AFL Championship, defeating the Boston Patriots 51-10.
• 1970: The AFL-NFL merger occurs, and the Chargers join the NFL as part of the newly formed AFC West division.
• 1981: Quarterback Dan Fouts leads the Chargers to the AFC Championship Game, known as “The Epic in Miami,” one of the greatest games in NFL history.
• 1994: The Chargers reach their first Super Bowl (Super Bowl XXIX) but lose to the San Francisco 49ers.
• 2006: The Chargers finish the regular season with a 14-2 record, the best in franchise history, but are defeated in the playoffs.
• 2017: The Chargers relocate back to Los Angeles after 56 years in San Diego.
• 2020: The Chargers begin playing at the newly constructed SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, which they share with the Los Angeles Rams.
• 2020: Rookie quarterback Justin Herbert sets multiple NFL rookie records, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
• 2022: The Chargers make their first playoff appearance since relocating to Los Angeles.

LA Chargers 2024-25 Outlook

As the Los Angeles Chargers prepare for the 2024-25 NFL season, they are poised to be a competitive force in the AFC West. With a strong roster headlined by quarterback Justin Herbert, the Chargers have the potential to make a deep playoff run. Herbert, coming off a solid 2023 season, is expected to continue his growth as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks, especially with the support of Joshua Palmer and Ladd McConkey.

The Chargers’ offense, coordinated by Kellen Moore, is anticipated to be high-powered, utilizing Herbert’s arm strength and the team’s depth at skill positions. The addition of a few key players in the offseason could further enhance their offensive capabilities.

Defensively, the Chargers will look to build on their performance from last season, relying on stars like Joey Bosa and Derwin James to anchor the unit. Health will be a critical factor, as injuries have plagued the team in recent years. If the Chargers can stay healthy, their defense has the potential to be one of the best in the league.

The AFC West remains a tough division, with the Kansas City Chiefs as perennial contenders. However, the Chargers have the talent to challenge for the division title and secure a playoff spot. The team’s success will hinge on their ability to perform in crucial games, avoid injuries, and maintain consistency throughout the season. With the right breaks, the Chargers could be a dark horse contender for a Super Bowl run.

Chargers NFL Record 

Last season, the Chargers had a lackluster 5-12 finish. Here’s a look at their record:

https://www.nfl.com/standings/league/2023/reg

LA Chargers Stats

Take a look at all the Chargers’ stats, including player stats:

https://sportstats.nypost.com/football/nfl/teamstatistics/23

Chargers Injury Reports

Don’t let an injury ruin the perfect parlay or prop. Keep up to date with our full Chargers injury list and inactive roster:

LA Chargers Betting Outlook

The Chargers are likely to be a popular team to bet on in the 2024-25 season, thanks to their explosive offense and potential for improvement. However, bettors should remain cautious in games where they are heavy favorites and always consider factors like injuries, venue, and matchup specifics.

Against the Spread (ATS)

With Justin Herbert developing as one of the league’s top quarterbacks, the Chargers are expected to be competitive in most games, especially as underdogs. If they improve on consistency and close out games better, they could become more reliable in covering the spread, especially against teams with weaker defenses.

Historically, the Chargers have struggled to cover as favorites, particularly when expected to win by large margins. Bettors should be cautious in games where the Chargers are heavily favored, as inconsistency is an issue.

Over/Under

The Chargers are likely to continue being involved in high-scoring games, given their explosive offense and a defense that has shown vulnerability at times. Bettors might find value in the “Over,” especially in matchups against other offensively potent teams.

If the Chargers make significant strides in their defensive play, particularly in limiting big plays, the “Under” might become more attractive in certain matchups.

Home vs. Away Performance

The Chargers tend to perform better at home, making them a stronger bet at SoFi Stadium, especially in games with tight spreads. The home crowd and familiar environment could give them an edge, particularly in divisional matchups.

Caution is advised when betting on the Chargers in away games, particularly against strong or well-coached teams. Their road performance is inconsistent, and this could impact their ability to cover spreads.

Prime Time and High-Pressure Games

The Chargers have a history of performing well in prime-time games, often covering the spread in these high-visibility matchups. This trend may continue, making them a good bet in night games or against high-profile opponents.

The Chargers are known for playing in tight games, often decided by narrow margins. Bettors might find value in betting on the Chargers in games with close spreads, particularly if they are the underdog.

Player Props

Justin Herbert is expected to continue putting up significant passing yards and touchdowns. Bettors might find value in player prop bets focusing on Herbert’s performance, as well as on key players like Gus Edwards and Joshua Palmer. 

As always, injuries can significantly impact player prop outcomes. Bettors should stay informed about the health of key players, especially in the weeks leading up to games.

2023-24 Betting Trends for the Chargers

Despite a disappointing 2023-24 season finish, bettors were still able to find value on the Chargers. Here are some of the top betting trends from last season: 

Against the Spread (ATS) Record: The Chargers had a mixed performance against the spread. They were inconsistent, often struggling to cover as favorites, particularly in games where they were heavily favored. Conversely, they performed better as underdogs, making them a more attractive bet in those scenarios.

Over/Under Trends: Chargers games frequently leaned towards the “Over” in total points. This was driven by their high-powered offense led by Justin Herbert and a defense that had moments of vulnerability, leading to high-scoring affairs.

Player Prop Bets: Betting on player props involving Justin Herbert, Austin Ekeler, and Keenan Allen was popular. Herbert’s passing yards, Ekeler’s touchdowns, and Allen’s receptions were common prop bets that frequently hit due to their consistent performances.

Close Games: The Chargers were involved in several close games, often decided by a field goal or less. This led to a trend where they frequently covered in games with narrow spreads but struggled in games with larger spreads.

2024-25 Chargers Schedule 

Don’t miss a single Chargers game this season:

Chargers Depth Chart

Get the low-down on the Chargers roster this season:

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29098001/nfl-depth-charts-all-32-teams

Key Chargers Players for Betting

Despite having mixed performance against the spread, the Chargers key players consistently hit their prop wagers. A few of the players you should watch this season are:

• Justin Herbert
• Gus Edwards
• Joshua Palmer
• Will Dissly
• Joey Bosa

Justin Herbert (Quarterback)

Justin Herbert is one of the most talented young quarterbacks in the NFL, known for his strong arm, accuracy, and ability to make big plays under pressure. He regularly racks up significant passing yards and touchdowns, making him a prime candidate for player prop bets. Betting on Herbert to surpass certain passing yardage or touchdown thresholds can be a strong play, especially in games against weaker pass defenses.

Gus Edwards (Running Back)

Gus Edwards is a powerful running back known for his consistent and efficient rushing style. Although he’s been with the Baltimore Ravens for his entire career, his move to the Chargers could see him taking on a significant role, especially in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Bettors should keep an eye on Edwards in prop bets related to anytime touchdowns or rushing yards in games where the Chargers face weaker run defenses. His ability to convert red-zone opportunities into touchdowns could make him a sneaky pick for those betting on first or anytime touchdown scorer markets, particularly when the Chargers face teams that struggle to defend the run.

Joshua Palmer (Wide Receiver)

Joshua Palmer is an emerging talent at wide receiver, poised to make a bigger impact in the Chargers’ passing game this season. With the potential for injuries or game plans that limit the targets of top wideouts like Keenan Allen or Mike Williams, Palmer could see an increased target share, especially in the slot or as a deep threat. Bettors might find value in betting on Palmer’s receiving yards or reception totals, particularly in games where the Chargers are expected to be in a pass-heavy script. Additionally, Palmer could be a smart play in daily fantasy sports (DFS) lineups, where his lower cost compared to the Chargers’ primary receivers could yield significant value.

Will Dissly (Tight End)

Will Dissly is a solid and reliable tight end, known for his blocking skills but also capable of making key receptions, particularly in the red zone. With the Chargers, he could be utilized more frequently in goal-line situations or as a security blanket for short-yardage passes. Bettors should consider Dissly for anytime touchdown scorer bets, especially in matchups where the Chargers face teams that struggle to cover tight ends in the red zone. His chemistry with Justin Herbert could develop throughout the season, making him a potential sleeper pick in tight end-related prop bets, particularly in games where the Chargers are expected to exploit mismatches against linebackers or safeties.

Joey Bosa (Edge Rusher)

Joey Bosa is one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL. He’s a game-changer on defense, capable of racking up sacks and creating turnovers. Betting on Bosa to record a sack in a game can be a lucrative prop bet, particularly against teams with weaker offensive lines. If you’re interested in defensive player props, Bosa’s ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks makes him a standout option.

NFL and Chargers News All Season Long

At ScoresandStats, we love the NFL season. That’s why we publish news, picks, and predictions all season. Don’t miss out on free betting picks:

LA Chargers Summary

The Los Angeles Chargers are poised for an exciting 2024-25 season, offering plenty of opportunities for savvy bettors. Understanding the Chargers’ trends, such as their performance against the spread and in high-scoring games, can give you a critical edge when placing your bets.

To truly maximize your betting potential, consider signing up for a premium handicapping service at ScoresandStats.com. Our expert analysts provide in-depth insights, game breakdowns, and personalized betting strategies that can help you find the best wagers on the Chargers and other teams throughout the NFL season. Whether you’re looking for daily picks or advanced statistical analysis, ScoresandStats.com is your go-to resource for making informed, profitable bets.