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Redskins at Chargers: Preview, prediction, odds and pick

By Brad Weiss

NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 19: Kirk Cousins No. 8 of the Washington Redskins warms up prior to a NFL game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 19, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 19: Kirk Cousins No. 8 of the Washington Redskins warms up prior to a NFL game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 19, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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The red-hot Los Angeles Chargers will play host to the Washington Redskins on Sunday in a game with playoff implications for both teams.

The Los Angeles Chargers suddenly find themselves in a tie for first place in the AFC West, all of this after starting the season off at 0-4. The last team to start the year 0-4 and make the playoffs just happen to be these same Chargers, who accomplished the feat back in 1992. First-year head coach Anthony Lynn has his  team winning close games late, which has been the bugaboo for this franchise in recent years, especially under former head coach Mike McCoy.

The Washington Redskins actually won the NFC East two years ago, but have been on a steady decline since. Washington let a bunch of their playmakers go this past offseason, leaving quarterback Kirk Cousins with the likes of Terrell Pryor Sr. as his top wideout. Jamison Crowder has become the top option in the passing game for the Redskins, who will be without star tight end Jordan Reed for this matchup on Sunday.

Los Angeles has tremendous talent on both sides of the ball, and they may have the best pass rush tandem in the NFL in Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa. Both men have wrecked havoc on their opponents this season, giving the Chargers a stellar defense to go along with their explosive offense. Quarterback Philip Rivers is playing at an elite level once again as well, making this Chargers team one of the more balanced units in the AFC.

Odds

Line: Los Angeles Chargers (-6.0)

Over/Under: 46.0

The Chargers are six-point home favorites in this one, and rightfully so, as they have been one of the best teams in football as of late. The over/under is set at 46.0, and with these two offenses, that number could wind up being too little. This line will change a lot throughout the week, so head on over to OddsShark.com for any changes up until kickoff.

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Prediction

The Chargers keep  their hot streak alive on Sunday, as they take care of business against the Redskins at home. Washington keeps this one close throughout, but the Chargers solid pass rush eventually gets to Cousins late in the fourth quarter. Look for Los Angeles to have the ball last, and Rivers making a play or two that wins the game for the Bolts.

Final Score: Chargers 24 Redskins 20

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