Chargers vs Bengals Week 13 Odds, Picks, and Preview: Burrow, Herbert Square Off in AFC Duel

(Photo : Justin Casterline/Getty Images) CINCINNATI, OHIO - Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals in the huddle during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium on November 28, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

This coming Sunday, two powerhouse AFC teams will go up against each other as the Cincinnati Bengals host the Los Angeles Chargers in a Week 13 clash at the Paul Brown Stadium. Who will prevail in this AFC matchup? Here's a breakdown of this Chargers vs Bengals clash.

Los Angeles Chargers enter Week 13 as +3.5 underdogs

Los Angeles' losing woes show no sign of ending as the Chargers suffered a 28-13 defeat at the hands of the Denver Broncos in Week 12. The Chargers have now lost four of their last six games to drop to 6-5. They trail the Kansas City Chiefs by one game in the AFC West standings, with the Chargers caught in a three-way logjam at second place with the Broncos and the Raiders.

The Chargers will look to get their season back on track in Week 13 when they travel to Ohio to face the Cincinnati Bengals. It is important for Los Angeles that Justin Herbert gets his game going in this showdown. He completed 28 of 44 passes for 303 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in the loss to the Broncos. Pat Surtain II proved to be his nemesis, recording both of those picks.

Pat Surtain II goes 70 yards for his first career pick-6! #BroncosCountry @PatSurtainll

📺: #LACvsDEN on CBS
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— NFL (@NFL) November 28, 2021

The Chargers need to establish their run game against the Bengals to pull off the road win. They managed just 72 yards rushing in the loss to Denver. It is also essential for the Chargers that they lessen their penalties against the Bengals. They committed nine penalties in the loss to Denver, resulting in 75 penalty yards.

Cincinnati Bengals installed as -3.5 favorites

The Cincinnati Bengals extended their winning streak to two games with an impressive 41-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 12. It was a critical victory for the Bengals, who kept pace with the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North standings, trailing them by just a game heading into Week 13.

For the Bengals to stretch their unbeaten run against the Chargers, they will need to continue their excellent play on the defensive end. They were outstanding in the Week 12 win against the Steelers, limiting them to just 10 points. That helped Cincinnati register its third consecutive double-digit win over Pittsburgh and record a season sweep against their division rivals for the first time since 2009.

JOE MIXON IS FEASTING AGAINST PITTSBURGH 🍽
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— PFF Fantasy & Betting (@PFF_Fantasy) November 28, 2021

Joe Mixon starred for the Bengals in the win against the Steelers, rushing for a career-high 165 yards and two touchdowns. At least 117 of those yards came in the opening half, helping Cincinnati build a commanding 31-3 lead at the break. Mixon has played some outstanding football of late, recording 288 yards rushing and four touchdowns in Cincinnati's last two games.