Bills at Chargers: Preview, prediction, odds and pick

The Buffalo Bills will have a new quarterback under center when they travel West on Sunday, as Nathan Peterman makes his first NFL start.

While the rest of the world was awaiting word on whether or not Philip Rivers would start at quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers this weekend, the Buffalo Bills were busy shuffling their quarterbacks for Week 11. The Bills have decided to send Tyrod Taylor to the bench on Sunday, replacing him with 2017 draft pick Nathan Peterman. Peterman was the Bills fifth round pick last April, after a solid career at Pitt.

The move was a bit of a headscratcher, as Taylor has definitely not been the team’s problem in recent weeks. Buffalo was blown out last week by the New Orleans Saints, and it is possible that the team felt it was the right time to move in a new direction. It was a gutsy move by first-year head coach Sean McDermott, who is doing his best to change the culture in Buffalo, and make the team his own.

For the Chargers, Rivers entered into concussion protocol on Monday, as he entered himself into it. He has practiced this week, and all signs point to him being ready to go for the game on Sunday. This game is a must-win for both teams, as a loss could mean the end of their playoff hopes. Having Rivers back is huge, and the move to Peterman has to be a welcome sign for this Chargers defense.

Odds

Line: Los Angeles Chargers (-4.5)

Over/Under: 43.5

The Chargers are actually favorites in this game, as they are giving 4.5 points to the road Bills. The over/under is set at 43.5 points, and it will depend on how the new Buffalo quarterback plays if they make the over. This line will change a lot throughout the week, so head on over to OddsShark.com for any changes up until kickoff.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: New York Jets and Giants draft a QB

Prediction

Peterman is going to struggle in his first NFL start, as the Los Angeles Chargers have two of the better pass rushers in the AFC. Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram will be licking their chops heading into this one, and with Rivers looking ready to play, the Bolts should win at home. Buffalo will keep it close early, but the Chargers will shock them with a ten-point win.

Final Score: Chargers 27, Bills 17