The Detroit Lions went into their Week 9 bye with a nice win over the Las Vegas Raiders, and a 6-2 record. The post-bye schedule is taking shape nicely to stack a lot more wins.
Week 10 brings another AFC West opponent for the Lions, this time a trip to take on the Los Angeles Chargers. As of this writing the Chargers are 3-4 heading into their Monday night game against the New York Jets to close Week 9. It's safe to say there will be a big difference between 3-5 and 4-4 for them, as head coach Brandon Staley hovers close to the hot seat.
Before you go there, the Lions are unlikely to get a second straight coach fired if they beat the Chargers in Week 10.
The way Lions fans have traveled to Kansas City, Green Bay and Tampa Bay this season, it's safe to say the Chargers' already practically non-existent home field advantage will exist even less on Sunday with the stands full of Honolulu Blue.
Via FanDuel Sportsbook, here's a look at the early betting odds, followed by a prediction, for Lions-Chargers in Week 10.
Detroit Lions, early odds and prediction vs. Los Angeles Chargers Week 10
Point Spread:
Lions: -1.5 (-108)
Chargers: +1.5 (-112)
Moneyline:
Lions: -118
Chargers: +100
Over/Under (48.5 points)
Over: -105
Under: -115
Prediction: Lions 27, Chargers 24
There's an angle that says the Lions could blow the Chargers out on Sunday. It's certainly possible the Chargers lay a big egg, with a short week as a flimsy possible excuse. The Lions should be refreshed coming off a bye, and they may be as healthy as they've been in several weeks with some key players lined up to return.
But ultimately, I can't quite get to a blowout win for the Lions. The Chargers may score late to narrow the final margin, but Vegas certainly thinks it will be a close game and that's well-founded. On the betting sides here the Lions cover a narrow spread, they win outright (of course) and on the point total the over hits.
Note: Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.