Kicking off just 45 minutes after the Ravens and Buccaneers, the Los Angeles Chargers will be facing off with the Arizona Cardinals. Marking the third of four Monday night doubleheaders this season, this West Coast matchup will officially put the bow on the Week 7 slate.
While the combined record of 5-6 indicates this isn’t as exciting of a matchup, this is an important game for both teams. Both teams are still considered dark-horse playoff threats and this could be a game that comes into play for playoff standings at the season’s conclusion.
The Chargers enter this game as one-point favorites and are -118 on the moneyline. The Cardinals are considered -102 underdogs on the moneyline with the over/under set at 44 on DraftKings Sportsbook. Here are four player props for the matchup that I like ahead of the Week 7 showdown.
Justin Herbert Over 198.5 Passing Yards (-115 odds)
It has been a quiet season for Justin Herbert so far. The former sixth-overall pick ranks 28th in passing yards among quarterbacks and 29th in passing attempts. As a team, the Chargers rank dead last in passing attempts and 30th in passing yards. Los Angeles has leaned on a run-oriented attack and its defense has been the driving force of its 3-2 record.
However, things changed last week when Los Angeles was forced to lean on its quarterback more. Herbert attempted a season-high 34 pass attempts, which he turned into 237 passing yards. This also occurred against a Denver Broncos defense that ranks third in points and yards allowed on the season. Looking ahead at this matchup, expect Herbert to receive more passing opportunities once again. So far this season, Arizona ranks 29th in scoring defense and 28th in yards allowed. The Cardinals are also 23rd in passing yards given up.
Herbert has all the physical tools as a quarterback and is in the conversation for some of the best pure-arm talent in the league. He threw for over 198.5 passing yards in 10 of the 13 games last season and 16 of the 17 games in 2022. It is clear Los Angeles has embraced a defensive and run-oriented approach this season, but expect more and more to gradually be added to Herbert’s plate. Expect this to show face tonight and for him to eclipse 198.5 passing yards for the second consecutive week.
Kyler Murray Under 218.5 Passing Yards (-115 odds)
While there were some nice flashes from Kyler Murray to start the season, expect this to be a matchup that he struggles in. The Chargers’ defense has shined this season and is allowing the fewest points this season and fifth-fewest yards.
Looking at Murray’s production, he has thrown for over 218.5 passing yards just once this season. He is averaging just 197.7 passing yards per game and has recorded as few as 142 passing yards in a game already this season.
While Murray will have his moments where he makes a special play, this number is too high based on the quality of defense and opportunity he will receive. Expect Los Angeles to continue to slow down the pace of play and dominate time of possession. There is a lot more reason for optimism surrounding the Chargers’ defense than Murray’s level of play, so expect it to take a big play for him to reach this number. Ultimately, expect Murray to remain under the 218.5 passing margin and for the passing game to struggle for Arizona.
Kyler Murray Over 33.5 Rushing Yards (-110 Odds)
While he may have a difficult time beating the Chargers with his arm, look for Murray to utilize his legs in this game. The former No. 1 overall pick has attempted at least five rush attempts in all but one game this season. He is averaging 43.5 rushing yards per game and has recorded as many as 83 rushing yards in a game already this season. The Cardinals’ franchise quarterback looks fully healthy after returning from a torn ACL last season and has a new burst in his step.
Murray is a more talented passer than he sometimes gets credit for, but it is his ability with his legs that makes him such a special talent. Expect the Cardinals’ wide receivers to struggle to get open at times and for Murray to take matters into his own hands. The 33.5 rushing yard total is a low number for Murray as he can clear it in just one rush attempt if the opportunity presents itself. Count on him to take advantage of this opportunity when it pops up and for him to record over 33.5 yards on the ground in primetime.
Ladd McConkey Over 51.5 Receiving Yards (-115 Odds)
The Chargers spent the 34th overall pick on Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey in this past draft. Through the opening five weeks of game action, McConkey has looked like the best wide receiver on the Chargers’ roster. He leads the team in targets, receptions and receiving yards and has caught two touchdowns already this season. Overall, he has tallied 19 receptions for 219 yards.
McConkey has been targeted at least four times in every game and tallied two or more receptions in each. This comes while the opportunities to record a reception have been slim. Looking ahead to this matchup, the Cardinals’ defensive struggles will play a role. Ranking 28th in yards allowed on the season, Arizona will need to show some notable improvement in this game. Los Angeles has a chance to produce its most convincing offensive performance so far this season.
Expect McConkey to be at the core of this production and headline the passing game for the Chargers. He has tallied as many as 67 receiving yards in a game this season and his best days should be ahead as they begin to open up the passing game more. Look for McConkey to carry a chip on his shoulder in his first matchup with fellow rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and for him to lead the team in targets and receptions again this week. Expect him to eclipse 51.5 receiving yards and put himself on a wider national map in this game.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is seanbarnard) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
