Chargers vs. Bengals Updated Odds and Prediction: What Bettors Need to Know

The Cincinnati Bengals have been running the ball as good as anyone over the last couple of weeks and are facing one of the worst rushing defenses in the league. The Los Angeles Chargers head to Cincy for Week 13 as 3.0 point underdogs after opening at 2.5. 

The Bengals are coming off a dominant win over the Pittsburgh Steelers last week 41-10. The blowout win was no fluke and was led by Joe Mixon out of the backfield. Mixon had 165 yards and two touchdowns against the win over the Steelers. It was his second straight game over 100 with two touchdowns. 

So, with a very weak rushing defense on the others side, just how much work will Mixon get this week?

Here are the updated odds for this Week 13 matchup clash, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Chargers vs. Bengals Updated Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

• Chargers: +3.0 (-110) / Opened +2.5
• Bengals: -3.0 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Chargers: +140 / Opened +125
• Bengals: -160 / Openend -145

Total:

• 50.0 (Over -110/Under -110)

Chargers vs. Bengals Betting Trends

• The Chargers are 1-4 against the spread (ATS) in their last five games. 
• The Chargers are 1-4 ATS in their last five games against the AFC. 
• The UNDER is 6-2 in the Chargers’ last eight games against the AFC North. 
• The UNDER is 6-0 in the last six games between these two teams. 
• The Bengals are 4-0-1 ATS in their last five games against the AFC West. 

Chargers vs. Bengals Prediction and Pick

All eyes will be on the defensive line and how well they can limit Mixon this weekend. However, I think that Justin Herbert is the key to this game. The Chargers franchise QB has struggled recently in the sense that he is getting hit. A lot. He was sacked seven times and hit 21 times in his last three games. All that pressure forced some bad calls leading to four interceptions. 

I think that Herbert can bounce back from that bad stretch to find success against his NFL rival. He is a better overall quarterback at this point and I think he starts playing like it again. I like the Chargers to cover this game but, as I am looking over it for the second time this week, I am seeing a lot of value on the total as well. 

While the QB battle sounds sexy on paper, Joe Burrow is also struggling a bit. Especially in the turnover department. He is tied for 32nd in the NFL with 12 interceptions compared with 22 touchdowns. So, this game of two future superstars might be spoiled by some bad decisions and excess turnovers. I think that the Chargers will do what they can to limit Mixon and let Burrow try to beat them in the air. While he’s an amazing talent, he still has a lot of football to play before figuring out his interception issues. The mistakes on both sides will keep this game under the total. Let’s just hope there aren’t too many defensive points scored. 

Pick: Chargers vs Bengals UNDER 50.5