The Philadelphia Eagles will head back home with momentum on their side after beating the Detroit Lions by 38 points in Week 8. Can they make it back-to-back wins against a struggling Los Angeles side in this Chargers vs Eagles showdown? Here's a breakdown of this critical matchup.
Los Angeles Chargers installed as -1.5 favorites
The Los Angeles Chargers stumbled to their second straight defeat with a 27-24 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 8. It was a disappointing result for the Chargers, who now trail the Las Vegas Raiders by one game in the AFC West standings.
It is important for the Chargers that Justin Herbert gets his game going against the Eagles. In their last two losses to Baltimore and New England, he has struggled, completing just 40 of 74 passes for 418 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. It is the first time in Herbert's two-year NFL career that he has had two consecutive games with a passer rating of under 70.
Herbert looked out of sorts in the loss to the Pats, throwing for just 223 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He was limited during Wednesday's practice because of a right hand injury. Apparently, Herbert has been dealing with the injury since the Week 3 win against the Kansas City Chiefs.
One guy who needs to step up for LA in Week 9 is Austin Ekeler. He had 124 scrimmage yards against New England, 64 of which came on the ground. He has scored eight scrimmage touchdowns this season, tied for second in the league among running backs.
Related Article: Titans vs Rams Week 9 Predictions, Picks, Odds, and Preview: Division Leaders Face-off on SNF
Philadelphia Eagles enter Week 9 as +1.5 underdogs
The Philadelphia Eagles finally snapped their two-game losing skid with a commanding 44-6 win over the Detroit Lions in Week 8. It was a critical victory for the Eagles, who remained 3.5 games behind the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC East standings.
The Eagles wreaked havoc on the ground against the Lions, rushing for 236 yards and four touchdowns. Boston Scott and Jordan Howard stepped up big time in the absence of injured starter Miles Sanders, recording 12 carries each and combining for 117 yards rushing.
Scott and Howard became the first pair of Eagles to record multiple rushing touchdowns in the same game since 1980. They will be licking their chops at the prospect of facing a Chargers team that is last in the NFL against the run, allowing 159.6 yards per game this season.
For the Eagles to record the upset win against the Chargers, they will need to stop Los Angeles on late downs. The Chargers are 9 for 13 (69.2%) on fourth-down opportunities, which is the third-best percentage in the league this season. They are one of only two teams in the NFL to convert at least nine attempts on fourth down.
Writer's Prediction
The Los Angeles Chargers win and cover the spread.
READ MORE ON SWN:
Chicago Bears vs Pittsburgh Steelers Week 9 Predictions, Picks, Odds, and MNF Preview
Buffalo Bills vs Jacksonville Jaguars Week 9 Predictions, Picks, Odds, and 2021 NFL Preview
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.