Chargers vs. Cardinals Picks, Predictions Week 12: L.A. Continues Chasing Playoff Berth
The 5-5 Los Angeles Chargers look to rebound from two tough losses as they take on the 4-7 Arizona Cardinals. Read on for top Chargers-Cardinals picks.
Last week’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs really hurt the Chargers as they continue their unlikely chase for the AFC West title. On the bright side, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert had his best game of 2022 and looks to finally round into last year’s form. A re-aggravated rib cartilage injury early this season limited his mobility, and the bevy of wide receivers who have often been injured didn't help.
Things haven’t been smooth sailing for the Cardinals either. They squandered a huge chance to gain ground in their division, losing 38-10 to the San Francisco 49ers. The Cards' 4-7 record is punctuated by an abysmal 1-5 home record, and injuries/absences have plagued their wide receivers corps. Can Arizona right the ship on home turf?
Here are our top Chargers-Cardinals Week 12 NFL picks (odds via BetRivers Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbook; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale).
Chargers vs. Cardinals Game Info
- Date: Sunday, Nov. 27, 4:05 p.m. ET
- TV: CBS
- Location: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ
- Weather: 68 degrees, 0% chance of precipitation, 4-mph winds
Chargers vs. Cardinals Odds
Chargers vs. Cardinals Odds Analysis
The Over/Under for this matchup opened at 48 and has gone up just a half point in the time since. The Over is drawing 85% of the cash and 78% of the tickets.
The Chargers opened as 2.5-point favorites, and the return of quarterback Kyler Murray hasn't changed the lines. In fact, 66% of the cash and 68% of the tickets remain on the Chargers.
Chargers vs. Cardinals Picks
- Spread: Cardinals +3 (-105 via FanDuel) ★★★★★
- Over/Under: Over 48 (-109 via BetRivers) ★★★★★
- Prop: Austin Ekeler 1+ Rush TD, Keenan Allen 1+ Rec TD (+200 via DraftKings) ★★★★★
Chargers vs. Cardinals ATS Pick
Cardinals +3 (-105) ★★★★★
The Chargers head into this matchup as favorites, given the Cardinals' recent struggles and home record. Even so, the Chargers are only slightly favored due to their own problems – especially on defense. Arizona wide receiver Marquise Brown, as well as running back James Conner, will be in the lineup to score points as starting quarterback Kyler Murray also returns from injury.
Prior to their loss against the 49ers, the Cardinals averaged 29 points per game in their previous four contests. Win or lose, Arizona should hold their own and keep things close – since L.A. offensive tackle Rashawn Slater and linebacker Joey Bosa are still sidelined with long-term injuries.
Chargers vs. Cardinals O/U Pick
Over 48 (-109) ★★★★★
When it comes to point suppression, both squads have failed miserably. The Cardinals rank second in opponent points per game (26.9) and the Chargers aren’t far behind in fourth (25.8). Arizona allowed an astounding 35 touchdowns against, trailing only the Detroit Lions in that category. The Cards have a middling rush defense, but they’re quite porous through the air with nearly 4,000 scrimmage yards through 11 games.
L.A. is a little better at containing opponents' scrimmage yards, although they still remain just outside the top-10 in yards allowed. The Chargers yield more total yards per game (384.4) than the Cardinals (373.7). With all of these narratives at play, it’s tough to imagine this game resulting in less than 49 points.
Chargers vs. Cardinals Prop Pick
Ekeler 1+ Rush TD, Allen 1+ Rec TD (+200) ★★★★★
There’s a lot to like about this combination prop pick, especially considering the Austin Ekeler rushing touchdown market has negative odds as a single bet. This half of the pick is extremely safe, as Arizona gave up nearly one rushing touchdown per game. Not to mention Ekeler has rushed for seven scores in his past seven games – finding pay dirt on the ground in every game except one during that span.
The second leg of the prop is riskier, but betting against Chargers star wideout Keenan Allen is not a good idea. The 30-year-old receiver is slowing down a bit, and only played three games this season due to injury. Fortunately, his return against the Chiefs was successful – recording five receptions on eight targets for 94 yards. In the red zone, he’s Herbert’s guy and has a great chance to score against a team that just let San Francisco throw four passing touchdowns against them in Week 11.
Where to Bet on Chargers vs. Cardinals Picks
Here are our top-rated sportsbooks:
Chargers-Cardinals picks made 11/25/2022 at 5:06 p.m. ET
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