If anything was clear from the 2020 season, it’s that rookie phenom Justin Herbert is the guy in Los Angeles. Herbert set the record for most passing touchdowns by a rookie (a mark that seemingly will be broken every other year or so) and torched defenses routinely. However, Herbert will have to adjust to the fast life in the NFL as the Chargers ditched head coach Anthony Lynn despite winning their last four games. With centerpieces Austin Ekeler and Keenan Allen poised to return in 2021, the future is looking bright for young Herbert.
The 2021 offseason for the Chargers has been a busy one. Aside from hiring Rams’ defensive coordinator Brandon Staley as head coach, L.A. signed All Pro center Corey Linsley and lost five starters to free agency (highlighted by Dan Feeley and Hunter Henry). The offensive line was further bolstered with the singing of Matt Feiler (formerly of the Steelers) and drafting Rashawn Slater in the first round. The build around Herbert seems to be going well and the Chargers seem to be moving in the right direction.
Los Angeles Chargers Week 1 odds
The Los Angeles Chargers kick off their 2021 campaign on the road against the Washington Football Team. L.A. opened as slight favorites and now currently sit at . With tempered expectations a season ago and uncertainty surrounding the ceiling of Justin Herbert, the Chargers posted a 9-7 record against the spread and a 9-7 record against the over.
Washington fields one of the most talented and productive defensive fronts that finished ninth in pressure rate in 2020. Last season, Herbert saw the third-most pressure rate of any quarterback in the NFL and was hit the fourth-most times. In response, L.A. signed All Pro center Corey Linsley, tackle Matt Fieler, and drafted lauded Northwestern tackle Rashawn Slater. The bolstered offensive line helped the Chargers hold on as favorites against a WFT squad that’s loaded with talent.
Complete Week 1 betting preview: Chargers vs. Washington
Los Angeles Chargers futures odds
Futures are long-term bets that can range from an offseason to a full season (or beyond). Team win totals, award winners, and player performance are common futures.
Chargers Super Bowl odds and other futures markets 2021
- Odds to win Super Bowl: +3500
- To win AFC: +1800
- To win AFC West: +600
- Make playoffs: +137
- Chargers win total: 9 (-122)
Odds last updated July 12
Chargers prop bets
Prop bets are based on individual performance, typically surrounding players. Rookie Justin Herbert garnered plenty of attention from the NFL, fantasy football players, and bettors alike. For example, Herbert’s projected passing total in the Chargers’ Week 14 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons was 265.5 yards. He threw for 243 yards in the 20-17 win, giving those who bet the under on his passing yards prop the win.
Search below for Los Angeles Chargers odds, team or player props currently being offered at sportsbooks. You can also look around at other teams and players using this tool. Happy shopping!
Los Angeles Chargers 2021 schedule and betting odds
| Week | Date | Opponent | Kickoff Time | Opening Line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Sunday, Sept. 12 | at Washington Football Team | 1 p.m. ET | Chargers -1.5 |
| Week 2 | Sunday, Sept. 19 | vs. Dallas Cowboys | 4:25 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 3 | Sunday, Sept. 26 | at Kansas City Chiefs | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 4 | Monday, Oct. 4 | vs. Las Vegas Raiders | 8:15 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 5 | Sunday, Oct. 10 | vs. Cleveland Browns | 4:05 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 6 | Sunday, Oct. 17 | at Baltimore Ravens | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 7 | BYE | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Week 8 | Sunday, Oct. 31 | vs. New England Patriots | 4:05 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 9 | Sunday, Nov. 7 | at Philadelphia Eagles | 4:05 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 10 | Sunday, Nov. 14 | vs. Minnesota Vikings | 4:05 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 11 | Sunday, Nov. 21 | vs. Pittsburgh Steelers | 8:20 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 12 | Sunday, Nov. 28 | at Denver Broncos | 4:05 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 13 | Sunday, Dec. 5 | at Cincinnati Bengals | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 14 | Sunday, Dec. 12 | vs. New York Giants | 4:05 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 15 | Thursday, Dec. 16 | vs. Kansas City Chiefs | 8:20 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 16 | Sunday, Dec. 26 | at Houston Texans | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 17 | Sunday, Jan. 2 | vs. Denver Broncos | 4:05 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 18 | Sunday, Jan. 9 | at Las Vegas Raiders | 4:25 p.m. ET | OTB |
Best Chargers betting site(s)
How to bet on the Los Angeles Chargers
Moneyline
The moneyline is the simplest of bets, decided by the straight-up winner and loser of each game. Consider the following example:
- Chargers -105
- Cowboys +100
The Chargers are considered slight favorites in this matchup (indicated by -105), requiring a $105 bet to win $100 (plus the initial bet back). The Cowboys are the underdog in this matchup, paying out $200 total for a $100 bet ($100 in winnings). How much either team wins or loses by does not matter in moneyline betting, the payout remains the same.
Point spread
Betting on the point spread is determinant on how many points a team wins or loses by. Take the following example:
- Chargers +6.5 (-110)
- Bills -6.5 (-110)
In this example, Los Angeles is the underdog by 6.5 points, indicated by “-6.5.” If the Chargers keep the game within seven points or win outright, the Chargers (+6.5) win the bet and would have a total payout of $19.09 on a $10 bet ($9.09 in profit). If the Bills win the game 27-20 or by more than 6 points, then Bills (-6.5) would win and the payout would be the same as listed above.
Point total (over/under)
The point total refers to the over/under line set by books. This number projects the total number of points scored in a game and, like prop betting, is bet whether one thinks the score will go over or under the set point total. For example, the Chargers’ Week 7 matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars had a point total of 54.5 points. L.A. won that game 39-29, totaling 68 points. Those that bet over the point total in the matchup would have cashed out.
The Chargers’ offense and defense were very middle-of-the-pack despite their prolific rookie quarterback, resulting in average point totals for their games. Projected point totals typically sat between 49 and 53 points in games involving the Chargers and were reliant on opponents. If L.A. was hosting the Chiefs– an explosive, high scoring offense– their point total would rise while if they were playing the Bears– a stout defensive team with a methodical offense– the point total would be lower.
In-play and live betting
Sometimes, the most thrilling and rewarding bets are bets made while games are being played. These are referred to as live bets or in-play bets. Odds are ever-changing during games, which would prove to be fruitful for sharp and prepared bettors. For example, if the Chargers (-225) were heavily favored against the Lions (+190) before kickoff, a payout on a $10 bet on the Chargers to win would win just $4.44.
However, say the Chargers fell to a big 17-3 deficit in the first half despite controlling the overall game (due to a costly turnover or special teams gaffe). Odds may swing in favor of the Lions, who may be a -110 favorite at halftime. Taking the Chargers to come back and win the game could present plus-odds (say, +130). Should a bettor take Los Angeles (+130) at halftime and the Chargers pull off the comeback, winners would win $13 instead of $4.44 (plus the initial $10 bet).
This could also be an effective way to “hedge” your bet; say a bettor took the Lions (+190) in that game, but L.A. jumps out to a 24-0 first quarter lead and is controlling the overall feel of the game, bettors could hedge by throwing some money down on the Chargers (-270) to return some of the inevitably-lost bet.
Parlays and teasers
You can always string bets together in the form of parlays or teasers. Usually during busy Sundays, bettors can parlay several teams to win or cover against the spread and if all bets are successful, the payouts are multiplied. Teasers function similarly, except they allow bettors to move each point spread to a more favorable line in exchange for diminished odds.
Chargers 2020 recap
Record: 7-9
Record ATS: 9-7
Over/under record: 9-7
The expectations for the Chargers coming into 2020 were low after a disastrous 5-11 year. They were moving on from longtime starting quarterback Philip Rivers and the job was up for grabs between Tyrod Taylor and Justin Herbert. Taylor sustained an injury before Week 2 and Herbert never gave the job back. L.A. exceeded all expectations, as did Herbert, and the Chargers finished with a respectable 7-9 record.
Early in the season especially, L.A. was expected to be uncompetitive in games against Kansas City (lost 23-20 in OT), Tampa Bay (lost 38-31), and New Orleans (lost 30-27 in OT). Herbert kept L.A. in it with late-game heroics from his very first start and the Chargers were able to score their way into games, frequently covering the spread.
Chargers 2021 offseason moves
Trades: None
Re-signings: CB Michael Davis (three years, $25 million)
Free agent losses: C Mike Pouncey (retirement), S Rayshawn Jenkins (to Jaguars), LB Denzel Perryman (to Panthers), TE Hunter Henry (to Patriots), G Dan Feeley (to Jets), LB Melvin Ingram (to Steelers)
Free agent signings: C Corey Linsley (five years, $62.5 million), T Matt Feiler (three years, $21 million)
Draft picks: OT Rashawn Slater, CB Asante Samuel Jr., TE Tre’ McKitty