Chargers Face Growing Underdog Status Ahead of Chiefs Showdown
It’s hardly surprising that the Los Angeles Chargers are not favored to win at Arrowhead Stadium in their upcoming Week 15 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. However, the fact that several sportsbooks have adjusted the Chargers’ odds to become increasingly substantial underdogs as the week progresses raises some eyebrows.
Odds Shift Throughout the Week
At the start of the week, many outlets had the Chargers as underdogs by less than a touchdown. As game day approaches, that number has edged closer to the seven-point mark. This shift is perplexing, especially considering the circumstances surrounding both teams.
Justin Herbert and the Chargers recently secured a convincing victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football. Additionally, the injury report for the week has appeared relatively routine, with no major surprises. So, what accounts for the changing odds?
Chiefs’ Struggles Fuel Skepticism
The Chiefs enter this game with a 6-7 record and are reeling from two consecutive losses. In a recent game, Patrick Mahomes managed to throw for just 160 yards, while the offense sputtered, producing a mere 10 points. With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, the Chiefs seem to be in disarray, especially after a deflating performance in Week 14.
Conversely, the Chargers boast a 9-4 record and have rallied to win two straight games following a Week 12 bye. Despite the challenges posed by an injury and subsequent surgery to starting quarterback Justin Herbert, they have shown resilience. Notably, the Chargers secured a victory over the Chiefs back in Week 1, a memory that feels distant now.
Historical Context and Short Week Concerns
Oddsmakers might be wary of the Chargers’ prospects due to the challenges of playing on the road in a 1 p.m. ET time slot. The Chargers’ recent Monday night overtime game does little to help their cause, as historical trends often suggest that teams coming off short weeks struggle to perform at their best.
This confluence of factors raises the question: why are the Chargers being viewed with such skepticism, despite their recent success and the Chiefs’ ongoing struggles? The narrative around this matchup continues to evolve, and as kickoff approaches, the intrigue surrounding the odds remains palpable.
