Chargers open as 5.5-point favorites over the Patriots on Halloween

After a much-needed bye week, the Chargers are likely chomping at the bit to get back on the field to start prepping for their next opponent.

That team coming to town is the 3-4 New England Patriots who are coming off a big 54-13 shellacking of the lowly New York Jets. Quarterback Mac Jones threw for two touchdowns and their running backs totaled four trips into the end zone.

As of Sunday night, DraftKings sportsbook has the Bolts opening as 5.5-point favorites over New England on Halloween. While this game looks like the beginning of the team’s soft remaining schedule, the Patriots are yet another team that wants to run the ball as much as they can. If the idea of another team steamrolling this defense doesn’t frighten you, you must have already repressed last year’s 45-0 loss by this very team.

However, I have good news.

The Patriots, even after putting up 148 rushing yards against the Jets, are only averaging 95.4 yards on the ground. That’s just a fraction of a yard more than what the Chargers have been averaging this year and we all know how inconsistent that part of the offense has been. Regardless, the Bolts will need to put any and all improvements in their run defense on display to avoid any kind of incident on this day that is infamous for its fights and scares.

Following their week off, the Chargers are expected to get several starters on either side of the ball, including Kenneth Murray Jr., Bryan Bulaga, and Justin Jones. There’s also hope that two weeks off was just what Drue Tranquill needed after injuring his pectoral late in the game against the Browns.

What do you all think of the opening odds? Should the Bolts be favored by more? Less? Let us know what you think below.