Bengals-Chargers Pick
With heavy hearts, the Cincinnati Bengals will travel to Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday to take on the red-hot San Diego Chargers at 4:05PM ET.
The Bengals lost to the Vikings 30-10 as a 6-point underdog in Week 14, as the combined score fell under the posted total of 42.5 points. Quarterback Carson Palmer threw for 94 yards with a touchdown for Cincinnati, while Chad Ochocinco caught three passes for 27 yards and a score.
Earlier this week, the Bengals were also shocked when receiver Chris Henry lost his life after he fell out of the back of a truck during a domestic dispute with his finance. He was just 26 years old.
The Chargers beat the Cowboys 20-17 as a 3.5-point underdog in Week 14, as the combined score fell under the posted total of 48.5 points. Quarterback Philip Rivers threw for 272 yards with a touchdown and an interception for San Diego, while receiver Vincent Jackson hauled in seven passes for 120 yards in the win.
Oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com have made the Chargers 7-point favorites over the Bengals in Week 15. The over/under total for this game has been set at 44 points.
The Bengals are just 1-4 against the spread in their last five games and 1-4 ATS in their last five games when playing San Diego. Meanwhile, the Chargers are 5-1 against the spread in their last six games and 15-7 ATS in their last 22 games at home.
It’s tough to determine where the value lies in this game. The Bengals are no doubt affected by the loss of Henry, have struggled of late and now have to travel cross-country to take on a red-hot Chargers team. Everything is set up perfectly for a San Diego cover one would think.
But football is an emotional game and Cincinnati’s players will play focused, inspired and motivated this week. They’re a good team, and a good team getting a touchdown does offer value. We expect the Bengals’ defense to play much better this week than they did against Minnesota last week and while they might not win the game, we like Cincinnati’s chances of keeping the game tight throughout.
Our free pick prediction for this game is the Bengals +7 and the under, which has hit in four of Cincinnati’s last fis vames when playing on the road against San Diego.
Our NFL Week 15 Free Pick for this matchup is: CINCINNATI BENGALS +7 and UNDER 43.5.
Bengals vs. Chargers Current Odds
323 Cincinnati Bengals +7 (+250 moneyline) Over 43.5
324 San Diego Chargers –7 (-300 moneyline) Under 43.5
Cincinnati is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Cincinnati is 7-17 SU in its last 24 games on the road
San Diego is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Cincinnati
San Diego is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cincinnati
CINCINNATI
[TE] 08/03/2009 – Reggie Kelly IR ( Achilles )
[WR] 09/06/2009 – Antonio Chatman IR ( Ankle )
[TE] 08/31/2009 – Ben Utecht IR ( Concussion )
[C] 08/24/2009 – Dan Santucci IR ( Foot )
[S] 11/13/2009 – Roy L Williams IR ( Forearm )
[DE] 10/20/2009 – Antwan Odom IR ( Achilles )
[RB] 12/14/2009 – Bernard Scott is upgraded to probable Sunday vs. San Diego ( Toe )
[DT] 12/07/2009 – Domata Peko out indefinitely ( Knee )
[C] 12/13/2009 – Jonathan Luigs "?" Sunday vs. San Diego ( Back )
[S] 12/14/2009 – Chris Crocker expected to miss 2 – 3 weeks ( Ankle )
[S] 12/13/2009 – Kyries Hebert "?" Sunday vs. San Diego ( Hip )
[DT] 12/13/2009 – Orien Harris "?" Sunday vs. San Diego ( Illness )
[TE] 12/09/2009 – Chase Coffman IR ( Ankle )
[CB] 12/14/2009 – Johnathan Joseph injured last game, "?" Sunday vs. San Diego ( Undisclosed )
[WR] 12/17/2009 – Chris Henry IR ( Arm )
SAN DIEGO
[NT] 09/19/2009 – Jamal Williams IR ( Tricep )
[LB] 10/20/2009 – Antwan Applewhite IR ( Hamstring )
[LB] 11/18/2009 – Jyles Tucker IR ( Ankle )
[OT] 11/23/2009 – Jeromey Clary out indefinitely ( Ankle )
[FS] 12/14/2009 – Eric Weddle is upgraded to probable Sunday vs. Cincinnati ( Knee )
[C] 12/17/2009 – Nick Hardwick is downgraded to doubtful Sunday vs. Cincinnati ( Ankle )
[DE] 12/09/2009 – Ogemdi Nwagbuo IR ( Ankle )
[DE] 12/13/2009 – Alfonso Boone "?" Sunday vs. Cincinnati ( Knee )
[LB] 12/17/2009 – Shaun Phillips is upgraded to probable Sunday vs. Cincinnati ( Ankle )
[LB] 12/17/2009 – Shawne Merriman is upgraded to probable Sunday vs. Cincinnati ( Foot )
[DL] 12/17/2009 – Travis Johnson is upgraded to probable Sunday vs. Cincinnati ( Groin )
[CB] 12/17/2009 – Quentin Jammer is upgraded to probable Sunday vs. Cincinnati ( Toe )
[LB] 12/19/2009 – Kevin Burnett "?" Sunday vs. Cincinnati ( Neck )
[WR] 12/19/2009 – Legedu Naanee "?" Sunday vs. Cincinnati ( Foot )
Posted: 12/20/09 3:00PM ET