Cleveland Browns vs. Los Angeles Chargers Preview (10/9/22): Betting Odds, Prediction, Depth Chart

The Los Angeles Chargers (2-2) are coming off a win over the lowly Houston Texans and are on the road against the Cleveland Browns (2-2), who just suffered a close loss to the Atlanta Falcons. It’s tough to figure out both teams so far, as each has provided a mixture of dazzling wins and head-scratching losses. Read on to check out our full Los Angeles Chargers vs. Cleveland Browns prediction, including depth charts for both squads, important injuries, and betting odds and picks.

Los Angeles Chargers Vs. Cleveland Browns Betting Odds

For two talented teams, both of these squads have had some strange losses. Between the Chargers suffering a blowout loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Browns losing in historic fashion to the New York Jets, bettors might be wary to back either team. However, considering the amount of talent on both teams, I believe there are some excellent betting opportunities. Some of the players on the field this Sunday are amongst the best at their position, such as Chargers QB Justin Herbert and Browns RB Nick Chubb. The Los Angeles Chargers are three-point favorites on the road with a point total of 47.5.

Los Angeles Chargers Vs. Cleveland Browns Prediction

Like many bettors, I was worried about the Los Angeles Chargers after Justin Herbert suffered that painful rib injury a few weeks ago. And those fears were only compounded when the team suffered a 38-10 loss to the Jaguars. Well, it appears as though Herbert just needed to face off against the Houston Texans to get him feeling right, as the QB put up 340 yards and two scores while spreading the ball around top eight different receivers last week. It also doesn’t hurt that RB Autin Ekeler is coming back to form, which is good news for a rushing offense that ranks last in the league right now.

The Cleveland Browns provided another disappointing loss on Sunday to the Falcons, although it wasn’t nearly as embarrassing as the Jets debacle from a few weeks ago. The team’s RBs continue to be the driving force of the team (187.2 yards/game), although cracks are beginning to form in the passing game as the team awaits QB Deshaun Watson to return from his suspension. The Cleveland defense sorely missed DE Myles Garrett last week, and while his injuries will continue to linger for a few weeks, the dynamic lineman is hoping to come back for this matchup.

Injuries and inconsistency make both of these teams tough to bet on, and they likely will throughout the season. However, while there is a lot to like about this Cleveland team, I just don’t believe they can keep up with what looks to be a much healthier Justin Herbert and this top rated passing offense that’s averaging 307.2 yards through the air per game. If Los Angeles gets to an early lead, the run-first Browns will find it difficult to put together quick drives to put up points. I’m laying the points with Los Angeles on the road and leaning heavily to the over as these potential AFC playoff teams duke it out this Sunday.

Betting Trends

• After the last 6 Week 5 games, the Chargers are 5-1 ATS
• The Browns are 2-5 ATS in their past 7 home games
• The Chargers are 6-0 to the over after putting up over 350 yards the past week

Key Injuries

Los Angeles Chargers Injuries: Jay Guyton (O), Joey Bosa (O), Rashawn Slater (O), Donald Parham Jr. (Q), Keenan Allen (Q)

Cleveland Browns Injuries: Jerome Ford (O), Joe Haeg (Q), Myles Garrett (Q), Taven Bryan (Q), Anthony Walker Jr. (O), Chase Winovich (O), Jesse James (O), Jadeveon Clowney (Q)

Key Matchups

Check out the key matchups and mismatches for the Los Angeles Chargers vs Cleveland Browns below.

Austin Ekeler vs. Cleveland Defensive Front

While nobody was questioning Austin Ekerler’s ability to catch the ball the past few weeks, he wasn’t getting much done on the ground, failing to eclipse 40 yards in the first three games. Well, he finally got out of his rut last week against Houston, rushing for 62 yards and two scores with a 4.6 average. He has an excellent opportunity to gouge a Cleveland defensive front that’s facing some injuries. Three of the four starting Browns defensive lineman are questionable right now, and Ekeler and the Chargers offensive line could definitely use that to their advantage. The Falcons put up 202 rush yards against Cleveland last week, and I have reason to believe Ekeler will cook in this matchup.

TE David Njoku & Amari Cooper vs.Los Angeles Defense

QB Jacoby Brissett has found his favorite receivers in WR Amari Cooper and TE David Njoku. In the past few weeks, the longtime backup has made both receivers look like Pro Bowlers at times. Take the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers for example, in which Cooper caught seven for 101 yards and Njoku hauled in nine for 89 yards, with both players scoring. Los Angeles has had a subpar pass defense thus far (238.9 yards/game) and will need players like S Derwin James and CB J.C. Jackson to step up if Brissett is clicking with his top receivers.

Los Angeles Chargers Team Depth Chart

QB: Justin Herbert
RB1: Austin Ekeler
RB2: Joshua Kelley
LWR: Mike Williams
RWR: Keenan Allen
SWR: Joshua Palmer
TE1: Gerald Everett

Cleveland Browns Depth Chart

QB: Jacoby Brissett
RB1: Nick Chubb
RB2: Kareem Hunt
LWR: Donovan Peoples-Jones
RWR: Amari Cooper
SWR: David Bell
TE1: David Njoku