Oddsmakers Gaining Confidence In Bengals, Move Spread Ahead Of Chargers Matchup

The Los Angeles Chargers and Cincinnati Bengals each have one of the two most promising young talents at quarterback. Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow are expected to put on a show on Sunday as they try to keep their teams in playoff contention. The Bengals are coming off a decisive win against the Steelers that opened a few eyes in the AFC North. The Chargers are coming off a bad loss to the Broncos and are playing their second straight game on the road. 

The Bengals opened against the Chargers as 2.5-point home favorites on Sunday evening. The line quickly jumped to 3.0 where it currently sits. The moneyline odds also shifted further in favor of the home team in a clear sign that the Cincinnati side saw some early action. The total meanwhile dropped ever so slightly since opening at 50.0. Before we get too deep into the matchup, here are the updated odds for this Week 13 game, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Chargers vs. Bengals Updated Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

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

Moneyline:

• Chargers: +140 / Opened +120
• Bengals: -160 / Opened -135

Total:

• 50.0 (Over -110/Under -110) / Opened 51.0

Chargers vs. Bengals Prediction and Pick

There are no injury reasons for the odds movement beading into Week 13 for either team. This suggests that the Bengals are getting more attention than expected because of how dominant they were last weekend. A bit of recency bias if you would. But, the Bengals looked so good in that game, I think that the betting public is on to something here. 

The Bengals filled up the stat sheet and scoreboard against a tough Steelers team thanks to the dominant performance of Joe Mixon. So, while the QB battle is the big news, your eyes should be on Mixon. The Bengals’ star RB ran for 165 yards and two touchdowns in the win, good for 5.9 yards per carry. This is not a fluke. In Week 11, Mixon ran for 123 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries. 

As I pointed out in my previous article, I worry about Burrow’s decision-making will cost them this game and many others in the future. He remains tied for the worst interception rate in the NFL and that is hard to ignore. This game should be close and that extra half-point is a welcome sight. 

Pick: Chargers +3.0 (-110)