Bills vs. Chargers 12/23/23 – In a critical NFL Week 16 matchup, the Buffalo Bills, standing at 8-6, are set to clash with the Los Angeles Chargers, who hold a 5-9 record. This game, slated for Saturday, December 23, 2023, presents a pivotal moment for both teams, especially for the Bills as they aim to solidify their playoff position. As we delve into the NFL Week 16 free picks, this game at SoFi Stadium under the lights promises to be a compelling showdown.
Bills vs. Chargers 12/23/23
| When: | Saturday, December 23, 2023, at 8:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | SoFi Stadium |
| TV: | PEAK |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bills | -12 -110 | o44 -110 | -800 |  |
| Chargers | +12 -110 | u44 -110 | +580 | |
| ||||
Preppin' for the Chargers. 😤#BUFvsLAC | #BillsMafia
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) December 21, 2023
Josh Allen QB vs. Justin Herbert QB
Josh Allen is in the MVP conversation again thanks to his 3541 passing yards and 26 touchdowns against just 14 interceptions. He spreads the ball around, but top target Stefon Diggs has been his safety blanket with 1041 receiving yards and 8 scores. The Bills passing attack ranks fifth best in yards per game. Allen’s accuracy and decision making have taken a leap this season as well. Expect Buffalo to put plenty of emphasis on the passing game.
Justin Herbert is having another productive individual season despite injuries and poor defense hampering the Chargers. He has 20 touchdown passes and a 93.2 passer rating. However, Los Angeles has struggled in tough games, going 0-7 against opponents with winning records. Herbert will look to break that drought against the Bills, who have beaten the Chargers four straight times in his career. He has talented weapons like Keenan Allen to aid his cause, but the team’s inconsistency remains an issue.
Bills Backfield Powered by Cook
James Cook makeup a successful backfield for the Bills and their sixth-ranked rushing attack. Cook has taken on an expanded role, racking up 968 yards on the ground. His 5.1 yards per carry shows his explosiveness hitting holes. He average over 4.8 yards per rush and have combined for 8 touchdowns. The Chargers allow 4.7 yards per carry defensively, so Buffalo should find room to operate on the ground. Pound away with the run to set up play action shots for Allen.
Chargers Ground Game Led by Ekeler
With top running back Austin Ekeler healthy again, he leads the Chargers backfield with 506 rushing yards and 5 scores. However, Los Angeles ranks just 25th as a team in rushing offense. Ekeler is versatile, adding 347 yards and 3 more touchdowns as a receiver, but the run blocking has been spotty all year. The Bills have been vulnerable against the run at times, allowing 4.7 yards per carry. Ekeler must break some big plays to take pressure off Herbert.
NFL Betting Odds: Buffalo Bills -700, Over/Under: 42.5
The Bills are heavily favored in this matchup, with a significant spread suggesting a potentially one-sided affair. The over/under at 42.5 points indicates expectations of a moderately high-scoring game.
Trends
Buffalo Bills Betting Trends
Buffalo are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Buffalo’s last 7 games.
Buffalo are 13-7 SU in their last 20 games.
Buffalo are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games against LA Chargers.
Buffalo are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games against LA Chargers.
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Buffalo’s last 14 games on the road.
Los Angeles Chargers Betting Trends
LA Chargers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of LA Chargers’ last 12 games.
LA Chargers are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Chargers’ last 6 games against Buffalo.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Chargers’ last 6 games at home.
LA Chargers are 6-0 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Buffalo.
Buffalo Bills vs. Los Angeles Chargers Betting Picks
Considering the odds and team trends, the Bills appear to be the stronger team. Their robust offense led by Allen and Diggs seems poised to overpower the Chargers’ defense. However, the Chargers’ strong home record against Buffalo and Herbert’s capability should not be underestimated.
For bettors on online casino sites, while the Bills are a safer pick for the win, the Chargers could cover the spread, given their strong home record against Buffalo. The under might also be a viable option, considering both teams’ recent trends towards lower-scoring games.
Score Prediction: Bills 28, Chargers 17
