MNF Picks: Los Angeles Chargers vs Arizona Cardinals

Date: Monday, October 21, 2024

Time: 9:00 PM ET

Location: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ

Odds:

• Point Spread: Chargers -1 | Cardinals +1
• Total Line: 44.5 points

Betting Preview: Cardinals Set to Take Advantage of Chargers’ Injury Woes

The Arizona Cardinals enter this Monday Night Football matchup as 1-point home underdogs against the Los Angeles Chargers. However, with the Chargers potentially playing a depleted roster, the Cardinals have a strong chance to secure a win at home, and with the win comes a cover of the slim +1 spread.

Red Zone Efficiency Favors Arizona

One of the most telling advantages for Arizona lies in their red zone efficiency. The Cardinals are converting 58.82% of their red zone opportunities into touchdowns, while the Chargers are struggling in this area, scoring touchdowns on just 41.67% of their trips inside the 20-yard line. This discrepancy could be critical, as Arizona’s ability to finish drives with touchdowns could be the key to winning this game outright.

Injuries Could Hinder Chargers’ Effectiveness

The Chargers come into this matchup dealing with a slew of injuries to key players. Wide receivers Quentin Johnson and Ladd McConkey, along with backups Simi Fehoko and Derius Davis, are all questionable. On top of that, star pass-rusher Joey Bosa is doubtful, and cornerbacks Ja’Sir Taylor and Kristian Fulton may not be at full strength. Even if they play, the Chargers’ roster will be far from 100%, which gives the Cardinals a strong opportunity to capitalize, particularly in front of a home crowd.

Arizona’s Ground Game is a Difference-Maker

Arizona’s rushing attack, averaging 5.3 yards per carry (2nd in the league), should have an advantage against a Chargers defense that ranks 22nd in yards allowed per rush. Controlling the clock and keeping the Chargers’ offense on the sidelines will be key for the Cardinals, allowing them to dictate the pace of the game and keep the pressure on a banged-up Los Angeles team.

Chargers May Struggle to Take Advantage of Arizona’s Weak Pass Defense

While the Cardinals’ defense has allowed a 71.76% completion rate (31st in the NFL), the Chargers’ injury-riddled receiving corps may not be able to fully exploit this weakness. Justin Herbert may not have the necessary weapons to challenge the Arizona secondary effectively, further tipping the scales in favor of the home team.

Rich Crew’s Pick

With the Chargers dealing with significant injuries and Arizona getting healthier, particularly with the return of Marvin Harrison Jr., the Cardinals are in a prime position to secure the win at home. The spread may suggest a tight game, but with Arizona’s red zone efficiency, rushing attack, and the Chargers’ roster limitations, the Cardinals can get the jump early and extend the margin for a comfortable win and spread cover.