The Chargers are facing the Giants on Sunday, Dec. 12.
There’s always bound to be some things that occur that most people would not have forecasted.
With that being said, here are four bold predictions for Week 14’s matchup:
Josh Palmer goes for 50+ yards & touchdown
Interesting to note, Austin Ekeler said, “Keenan’s [Allen] not playing” at his media availability on Wednesday. Allen is currently on the COVID-19 list, so it’s possible that his tests could be showing positive still or he’s showing symptoms, which means that he would be ruled out this weekend. If that’s the case, Palmer would be due for more of a prominent role, likely north of his 30% offensive snaps that he’s received in each of the last five games. On 21 targets, he has caught 15 of them for 168 yards and a touchdown. Given his ability to consistently get open and catch nearly everything, I can see this being the most productive day of the season for Palmer.
Austin Ekeler scores 3 touchdowns
Ekeler has been haunted by dropped passes and fumbles as of recent, but this has the makings of a breakthrough performance. Not only could his target share benefit from Allen being out, the Giants currently are allowing the eighth-most receiving yards (576) to running backs through 13 weeks. Furthermore, the team has allowed 72 receptions to backs. Look for Ekeler to exploit New York’s zone-heavy defense.
The defense has 25+ pressures and 5+ sacks
Last Sunday, the Chargers lived in the Bengals’ backfield, finishing with 27 pressures and six sacks. Now, they’re in a great position to do the same to a Giants offensive line that has struggled this season. New York recently allowed three sacks to the Dolphins, which marked the sixth time the team allowed multiple sacks in the last seven games. In addition, 16 quarterback pressures and eight quarterback hits were surrendered.
Chargers win by three touchdowns
With first place in the AFC West in sight, I expect the Bolts to come out firing on all cylinders following their big win over the Bengals. Justin Herbert, who has 300-plus yards and at least two touchdowns in three straight games, should have his way against the Giants’ defense, even with the possibility of not having Allen at his disposal. On the other side of the ball, New York’s offense has not been efficient at all this season, and they’re slated to start Jake Fromm, who has yet to make an NFL start. Trap game? Let’s hope not. But I’m predicting the Chargers to win big before taking on the Chiefs on Thursday night.