2019 Los Angeles Chargers Odds to win the Super Bowl with Expert Betting Predictions

Anthony Lynn took over a team that had just moved into a new city where no one seems to want them, they didn't have an NFL stadium, or crowds to fill what they did have, and coach Mike McCoy had driven the team right into the ground. It was a team in rough shape. But he went 9-7 his first year and then took a big step forward last year to go 12-4 and win a playoff game. In short order, the team has gone from a forgotten squad to a serious Super Bowl contender . And that's a tough transition for any team to make, full of all sorts of pressure and challenges. Can they hold up under the extreme stress of their new reality? Or will it be too much for them in a tough division in a tough conference?

Los Angeles Chargers Coaching

Anthony Lynn drew criticism in his first season but took huge steps forward last year and is now as stable as a coach can be entering his third year. Lynn brings back a coaching staff that is basically entirely intact - something you don't see too often in this league. That stability is obviously a positive.

Los Angeles Chargers Quarterback Situation

Philip Rivers is back for his 16th year with the Chargers. He hasn't missed a game in the last 14 seasons, so his durability is legendary and makes his age - he turns 38 in December - less of a concern. It has oddly become an old man's league at QB these days, so he fits right in. Behind him is one of the more interesting collection of QBs out there. Former Ohio State QB Cardale Jones was on the practice roster last year and is around the team again. Former Buffalo starter Tyrod Taylor joined the team after an injury-riddled year with the Browns last year. And then the team selected Easton Stick, the quarterback who replaced Carson Wentz at North Dakota State and won two national titles and an FCS record 49 games, in the fifth round. He's an intriguing prospect in a deep room, and it remains to be seen how it all plays out.

How The Los Angeles Chargers Improved

They dealt with a lot of injuries last year, and now enter this season much healthier. Those act as additions from within. They had a couple of impactful free agent additions in Taylor and linebacker Thomas Davis. And though they went outside of traditional schools, drafting guys from Delaware, Sioux Falls and North Dakota State, they had a strong draft for their position. First-round pick DT Jerry Tillery will have an impact, and OT Trey Pipkins could be valuable depth. It was far from the busiest offseason in the league, but it didn't have to be.

How The Los Angeles Chargers Got Worse

Russell Okung, the excellent starting left tackle, is dealing with blood clot and could miss some time - six weeks is the rumor right now, but it could be longer. Losing him would be a huge blow and would require them to do some shuffling and play some guys they probably rather would not.

Los Angeles Chargers Schedule Analysis

They open at home against the Colts, and have the Texans visiting in Week 3, but Detroit, Miami and Denver ensure that the first five games should be a winning stretch no matter what. Starting in Week 8, they have a four-game stretch leading to their bye week that should define their season - at Chicago, at Green Bay, and after an easier game at Oakland a key home game against the Chiefs. They'll either be riding high or busted by then.

2019-20 Los Angeles Chargers Betting Odds and Trends

The Chargers are at +1600 to win the Super Bowl, which has them tied with the Bears as the eighth choice. They are tied with the Colts and Browns as the third choice to win the AFC at +700, behind the Patriots and Chiefs. They are the second choice to win the AFC West at +175, though that has them far behind the favored Chiefs at -155. The season win total sits at 10, and neither side is drawing unbalanced action. The odds are at -210 to make the playoffs, compared to +175 to miss them. They are the fifth choice to have the best record in the league at +1000, compared to +6600 to have the worst record. Philip Rivers is the eighth choice to win the MVP at +2000. He's tied with Deshaun Watson as the sixth choice to lead the league in passer rating at +1200. He's at +2000 to lead the league in passing yards and +1800 in touchdowns. At +900, he is one of five co-favorites to lead the league in interceptions. Melvin Gordon is at +1600 to lead the league in rushing yards and +1200 to be tops in touchdowns. If he plays, that is - the odds would likely be solidly lower if he wasn't holding out right now. Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are both at +3300 to lead the league in receiving touchdowns, with Allen at +1800 and Williams at +10000 to be tops in receiving yards.

2019-20 Los Angeles Chargers Predictions and NFL Picks

I like where the team is at, but I can't shake the feeling that they are again the second-best team in their division. The Chiefs will still be strong on offense, and their defense will be improved. The Chargers haven't done enough to keep up. But they will be a tough team and are absolutely in strong position to grab at least a wild card spot.

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