NFL Week 10: Chargers vs. Dolphins odds, preview, and pick
November 13th, 2020
The slumping Los Angeles Chargers (2-6) head to Hard Rock Stadium to take on the surging Miami Dolphins (5-3) on Sunday afternoon (4:05 p.m. ET, CBS), yet they’re only tepid underdogs. Is there something fishy about this spread, or should bettors have faith in the Dolphins? Here’s our wagering preview.
Chargers’ defense has been hindering Herbert
L.A.’s rookie signal caller, Justin Herbert, has exceeded expectations since being pressed into action in Week 3. He’s completed over 67% of his passes, averaged eight yards per attempt, and accumulated a 17-5 touchdown-interception ratio.
Rewrite the record books.
— GoDucks (@GoDucks) November 8, 2020
Justin Herbert is the only QB in NFL history to throw for 1,500+ pass yards and 15+ pass TDs in their first six career games. #ProDucks pic.twitter.com/07l4a2RGpJ
However, L.A.'s dreadful defense has allowed 29 points per game since he was anointed as the regular starter under center. That unit deserves the lion’s share of the blame for the Chargers’ 1-6 record over the last seven games.
The only good news for L.A.’s stoppers is that defensive end Joey Bosa, who missed Week 9 with a concussion, is making progress and could return as soon as Sunday.
There’s no one like Tua
The Dolphins raised some eyebrows when they decided to bench quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick in the midst of a two-game winning streak in favor of Tua Tagovailoa, but no one is questioning that wisdom now.
.@Tua said SEE YA
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) November 8, 2020
📺 @NFLonCBS https://t.co/8oIoVSJse9
The Alabama product has been everything Fins fans dared hope, completing 65.4% of his passes for 350 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. Tagovailoa should have no trouble taking apart the Chargers’ flimsy defense.
Chargers and Dolphins statistics and rankings
| Team | Passing Yards | Rushing Yards | Passing Yards Allowed | Rushing Yards Allowed |
|---|
Los Angeles Chargers | 284.4 (5th) | 135.6 (8th) | 240.3 (16th) | 118.3 (15th) |
Miami Dolphins | 225.8 (23rd) | 97.1 (28th) | 252.5 (21st) | 131.8 (26th) |
Dolphins’ defense can bounce back
Miami’s stoppers were tops in the NFL in points allowed per game heading into Week 9, but Kyler Murray and the Cardinals put up 31 points in defeat. L.A., however, does not boast a Top 10 scoring offense like Arizona does (25.6 points per game, 17th in the league).
The Dolphins defense could still help over bettors cash – defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and linebacker Kyle Van Noy were recently placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, putting their status for Sunday in doubt. This situation merits close examination up until gametime.
Plenty of positive trends for Miami
Trend bettors should note that the Dolphins have covered in four straight contests and five of their last six games at home.
The Chargers are 2-5-2 against the spread in their last nine games following a spread loss, and 2-6-1 against the spread in their last nine games played outdoors.
Predicted score: Dolphins 30, Chargers 24
NFL pick: Dolphins -1.5
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