Cincinnati Bengals at San Diego Chargers Betting Preview
Opening Line: Bengals +6.5 / Chargers -6.5 O/U 43.5
Time: 4:05 EST Sunday December 20, 2009 on CBS
The Chargers are one of the hottest teams in the NFL, as they have won 8 straight and currently lead the Denver Broncos by 2 games in the NFC West. The Chargers can secure a playoff spot with a win in this game. The Bengals are coming off a loss, but still lead the AFC North by 2 games over the Baltimore Ravens and if the Bengals win this game they will win the division crown. This game features a couple of legit defenses and an awesome passing offense of San Diego and a great ground game of Cincinnati. Even though the Bengals are headed towards the playoffs, most likely, they are not being talked about as Super Bowl contenders, especially since Minnesota killed them in their last game, but if the can beat San Diego they may be.
In their last game the Bengals were crushed by the Vikings 30-10 while the Chargers beat the Dallas Cowboys 20-17.
This season the Bengals are 6-7 ATS and the Chargers are 7-6 ATS.
The Chargers are all about their passing offense, which ranks 5th in the league, led by QB Phillip Rivers (3,583 yds 22 TD 7 INT). WR Vincent Jackson and TE Antonio Gates are each 6'5" and each is averaging at least 14 yards per reception. These 2 pose a nightmare for any opposing secondary. Where the Chargers are really struggling this season is running the ball, as their rushing offense ranks 31st in the league averaging 87.5 yards per game. RB's LeDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles have each struggled and each is averaging around 3.2 yards per carry. If these guys can pick up some yards in this game it will take a lot of pressure off Rivers. The Bengals' defense ranks 5th in the league, but unfortunately for them they are stronger defending the pass than they run. They have to have solid coverage on the secondary and put pressure on Rivers not giving him time to find his targets.
The Bengals' offense ranks 20th in the league and their strength is defiantly running the ball. They only average 189.9 passing yards per game, but 132.8 rushing yards per game. Carson Palmer is having a decent season, but RB Cedric Benson is playing great again after missing a couple games due to an injury. The Bengals need to run the ball, as it sets up the pass. In last week's loss to the Vikings they had trouble running the ball and Palmer only had 94 passing yards. The San Diego defense ranks 12th in the league and they are decent at defending the run and the pass. They need to stuff the run in this game and if they do not they may be in for a long afternoon.
The Bengals are only 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games and the Chargers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games.