The Los Angeles Chargers (0-0) and Los Angeles Rams (0-0) will begin their preseason schedule Saturday night when they square off at SoFi Stadium. Kickoff is set for 9 p.m. ET (NFL Network). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Chargers vs. Rams odds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.
The Chargers come into the season with high expectations and a recently extended quarterback, Justin Herbert. They gave him a 5-year deal worth $262.5 million, the richest deal in NFL history. The offense should have some added juice thanks to the addition of WR Quentin Johnston, who they selected in the 1st round of the draft this offseason.
The Rams look a whole lot different than they did in 2022, parting ways with CB Jalen Ramsey, LB Bobby Wagner, OLB Leonard Floyd and WR Allen Robinson, among others. The important thing for L.A. is that QB Matthew Stafford, WR Cooper Kupp and DT Aaron Donald are all healthy again after missing the second half of last season with injuries.
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Chargers at Rams odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:25 a.m. ET,
- Moneyline (ML): Chargers +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Rams -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Chargers +3 (-110) | Rams -3 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 33.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Chargers at Rams key injuries
Chargers
- WR Joshua Palmer (undisclosed) questionable
Rams
- CB Derion Kendrick (hamstring) questionable
- WR Cooper Kupp (hamstring) out
- TE Hunter Long (undisclosed) questionable
- OLB Ochaun Mathis (knee) out
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Chargers at Rams picks and predictions
Prediction
Chargers 20, Rams 17
Moneyline
The Rams are the youngest and least experienced team in the NFL right now, holding 36 rookies on their 90-man roster. That inexperience and youth will be very evident in the preseason opener Saturday night with some veterans expected to rest.
Getting the Chargers at plus-money at their home stadium against an unproven Rams team feels like a steal. BET CHARGERS (+125).
Against the spread
It’s not a bad strategy to just take the underdogs in the preseason, given how unpredictable these games often are. With the Chargers getting 3 points, you’re guarding against them losing a close one to the Rams, which is nice insurance for your money line bet.
BET CHARGERS +3 (-110) in this matchup.
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Over/Under
There are major concerns about the Rams defense, but less so about the offense. That being said, it’ll be QB Stetson Bennett and QB Brett Rypien under center, so it’s not like the Rams will have Stafford and Kupp.
For the Chargers, QB Easton Stick is a capable backup and their reserve running backs are talented, too, led by RB Joshua Kelley. BET OVER 33.5 (-110).
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