NFL Betting Preview
Denver Broncos (8-7) at San Diego Chargers (7-8)
Sunday, 8:15 pm Eastern – NBC

SBG Global Opening Line: Chargers -  8.5 ,  Total  50

The AFC West title will be on the line Sunday night as the San Diego Chargers host the Denver Broncos on NBC.  The Broncos have collapsed in recent weeks allowing the Chargers back in the race and now it is San Diego that looks like a playoff team rather than Denver.  The Broncos have been in first place in the division all season but a loss to the Chargers and it all means nothing.  If the Broncos lose they would become the first team since division play began to blow a three-game lead with three weeks remaining.

“Unfortunately we’re not going to be able to go up there and take it easy,” Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall said. “We’re going to have to go up there in their back yard and prove to them that we’re better than them. They’re a good team, they’re playing better now, and they’ve got all the momentum.”

SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Chargers at Home.

The Chargers are red-hot having won three straight games including last week’s 41-24 win at Tampa Bay. “We were 4-8. We could have shut it down,” said San Diego tight end Antonio Gates, “Honestly, you know, we could have said, ‘You know what, Denver ain’t going to lose three in a row.’ We could have taken that mind-set. But it was more about the San Diego Chargers and what we were trying to accomplish. Eventually that gave us a chance to sit here and play.” The Chargers have won big in the last two home games against Denver by a combined score of 71-23. 

Earlier this season in Denver the Chargers lost to the Broncos because of a bad referee’s call but now that seems a distant memory as San Diego can get their revenge and win the division on Sunday.  It could be an offensive shootout considering Denver has Jay Cutler throwing the ball all over the field while San Diego’s Phillip Rivers has been even better.  Cutler broke Jake Plummer’s single-season franchise record with 4,210 yards in last week’s loss to the Bills.  Cutler is headed to the Pro Bowl while Rivers is not.  Rivers though has the better numbers as he leads the NFL in touchdowns and passer rating.

Here are the NFL betting stats for Sunday’s game. The Broncos are 6-13 ATS in their last 19 road games. The Broncos are 3-13-1 ATS in their last 17 vs. AFC West. The Broncos are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games in December.

The Broncos are 0-4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings between the two teams.

The Chargers are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games in December. The Chargers are 20-7-4 ATS in their last 31 vs. the AFC West. The Chargers are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 home games.

SBG Global Current Line: Chargers -  8.5 ,  Total  50.5

The Over is 9-3 in the Broncos last 12 vs. the AFC West. The Over is 9-4-1 in the Broncos last 14 road games. The Under is 4-0-1 in the Chargers last 5 home games. The Over is 4-1-1 in the Chargers last 6 vs. the AFC West. The Under is 7-3-1 in the Chargers last 11 games overall. The Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings between the two teams.

Pick: Broncos 2 out of 5 units

NFL Betting Preview
Indianapolis Colts (6-4) at San Diego Chargers (4-6)
Sunday, 8:15 pm Eastern – NBC

SBG Global Opening Line: Chargers  -  3   ,  Total  51

The Indianapolis Colts will try for their fourth straight win on Sunday as they meet the Chargers in San Diego.  The game might be considered a revenge game of sorts for the Colts since it was San Diego that knocked them out of the playoffs.  The problem with that theory is that the Chargers are in desperation mode as a loss on Sunday would really hurt their playoff chances.

SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Colts on the Road.

The Chargers have had a variety of problems this season not the least of which is running back LaDainian Tomlinson.  He is in the midst of the worst year in his career and San Diego is suffering.  The Chargers have had to throw the ball on a regular basis. Quarterback Phillip Rivers is the AFC’s highest rated passer and he has already thrown 21 TD passes this season but being one dimensional in the NFL rarely works in the long term.  If Tomlinson can’t run the ball effectively this week then it may not happen again this season.  The Colts are allowing 138.5 yards per game on the ground this year.  Indianapolis was missing safety Bob Sanders last week and Houston’s Steve Slaton ran for 156 yards against the defense.  The Colts were able to win because Peyton Manning threw for 320 yards and two touchdowns.  Sanders is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.  Sunday’s game could be another high scoring one for the Colts considering they are facing a San Diego defense that is last in the league, allowing 267 yards per game.

Here are the NFL betting stats for Sunday’s game. The Colts are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall. The road team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings between the two teams. The Colts are 0-4 ATS in the last 4 meetings but the underdog is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings

The Chargers are 6-1-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. The Chargers are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 home games. The Chargers are 13-5-1 ATS in their last 19 games overall.

SBG Global Current Line: Chargers  -  2.5   ,  Total  49.5

The Over is 4-0 in the Colts last 4 road games. The Over is 6-2 in the Colts last 8 vs. the AFC. The Under is 5-0 in the Chargers last 5 vs. the AFC. The Under is 5-1 in the Chargers last 6 games overall. The Over is 13-6-1 in the Chargers last 20 games in November.

Pick: Colts 2 out of 5 units

NFL Betting Preview
San Diego Chargers (4-5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3)
Sunday, 4:15 pm Eastern – CBS

SBG Global Opening Line: Steelers -  4  ,  Total  43

The Pittsburgh Steelers may be a little frustrated losing two of their last three games but they are in far better position than the 4-5 San Diego Chargers.  San Diego has played poorly most of the season and star running back LaDainian Tomlinson is having the worst season of his career.  The only positive for the Chargers is they play in the weak AFC West where Denver is leading the division at just 5-4.  Tomlinson led the league in rushing the past two seasons but has run for just 100 yards in two games this year and hasn’t scored a TD in five straight games. “I guess I’m really concerned about it because football to me is simple,” Tomlinson said. “I think in order to really be successful and to do what you want to do you have to be able to run the football. That’s the way it’s always been.” SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Steelers at Home

The Steelers have been dealing with injuries this season but should be in good shape on Sunday as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and running back Willie Parker are expected to play.  Roethlisberger has been taking snaps in practice this week and trying to resolve some of the problems he has had in recent games. “I think it’s important that you practice.” coach Mike Tomlin said. “The longer that goes on (missing practice), you start to see issues coming up with timing and cohesion. I think that’s the spot we’re at this point.”  Big Ben could have a field day on Sunday against a San Diego defense that is giving up 264.9 yards per game through the air, last in the NFL.  On the other side of the ball the Steelers have the league’s top rated defense against the pass, giving up only 171.1 yards per game.  They should get tested by San Diego quarterback Phillip Rivers who leads the NFL with 21 TD passes.

The Chargers have never won in the regular season at Pittsburgh going 0-12 but they have won twice there in the playoffs.  Here are more NFL betting stats for Sunday’s game.  The Chargers are 15-4-1 ATS in their last 20 vs. the AFC.   The Chargers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall. The Chargers are 1-5 ATS in the last 6 meetings between the two teams.

The Steelers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games on grass. The Steelers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games in November. The favorite is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings between the two teams.

SBG Global Current Line: Steelers -  5  ,  Total  42

The Under is 4-1 in the Chargers last 5 games overall. The Over is 14-5-2 in the Chargers last 21 road games. The Over is 38-14-2 in the Steelers last 54 home games. The Over is 9-4 in the Steelers last 13 games overall.

Pick: Chargers 2 out of 5 units

NFL Betting Preview
San Diego Chargers (3-4) vs. New Orleans Saints (3-4) at London
Sunday, 1:00 pm Eastern – CBS

SBG Global Opening Line: Chargers  -  3   ,  Total  46.5

Two teams that were thought of as Super Bowl contenders are struggling as both the New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers come into Sunday’s game at 3-4.  This game will be played in London and unfortunately for the Saints that means they lose a home game since they are the designated home team in this matchup. The Saints will be without Reggie Bush who is injured. “He has been a big part of what we have been able to do offensively and it’s an injury that we have to deal with,” Saints coach Sean Payton said. SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Chargers on the Road.

The Saints realize that they really need to win on Sunday. “We came over here knowing that this is pretty much a must-win game for us,” said wide receiver Marques Colston, “We have the bye week next week, and just to go in with a win could set our season back on the right track.”  The Chargers are not in much better shape although they at least don’t lose a home game by going to London.  Last week the Chargers lost 23-14 at Buffalo as quarterback Phillip Rivers fumbled twice and threw an interception. “The taste of that loss isn’t gone by any means,” Rivers said.  The Chargers quarterback leads the league with 16 TD passes and is supposed to be getting help from LaDainian Tomlinson but that has not been happening. “The run game comes with opportunities and gaining some momentum,” Tomlinson said. “Obviously, we didn’t have any momentum in the run game. That’s why we’re suffering.”

Last year in the first regular season game in London, the Giants beat the Dolphins 13-10.  Here are the NFL betting stats for Sunday’s game.  The Chargers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games in Week 8. The Chargers are 6-1 ATS vs. a team with a losing record. The Chargers are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games in October.

SBG Global Current Line: Chargers  -  3   ,  Total  45

The Saints are 1-4 ATS vs. a team with a losing record. The Saints are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games in Week 8.

The Under is 5-0 in the Chargers last 5 games in October. The Over is 11-5 in the Chargers last 16 vs. a team with a losing record. The Over is 9-2-1 in the Saints last 12 games overall.

Pick: Over 2 out of 5 units, Saints 1 out of 5 units

NFL Betting Preview
New England Patriots (3-1) at San Diego Chargers (2-3)
Sunday, 8:20 pm Eastern – NBC

SBG Global Opening Line: Chargers  -  6   ,  Total  44.5

The San Diego Chargers face what is almost a must-win game on Sunday as they host the New England Patriots.  The Chargers are 2-3 and a loss would send them to 2-4 and put them in serious trouble.  They have to travel to Buffalo and face the Saints in London this month so winning on Sunday is very important. “Make no mistake about it: This is a critical time for our football team,” San Diego’s LaDainian Tomlinson said. “These next (three games) before the bye are very critical for us. To me, this is going to determine what type of team we’re going to be this year.” Getting a win against the Patriots will not be easy even though Tom Brady is not throwing the ball against them. Backup Matt Cassel threw for a career-high 259 yards last week at San Francisco as the Patriots won 30-21 to go to 3-1 on the year. SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Patriots on the Road.

The Chargers have lost their three games by a total of 10 points so the game on Sunday should be close.  A big key for the Chargers will be getting Tomlinson on track.  He has run for only 331 yards through five games this season.  It may not get any easier against the Patriots who have beaten the Chargers each of the last two years in the playoffs. “It’s very critical, crucial, whatever you want to call it. To me, it’s definitely a must-win for us,” Tomlinson said.

New England is 13-3 all-time against San Diego. Here are more NFL betting stats for Sunday’s game. The Patriots are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games in Week 6. The Patriots are 20-8-1 ATS in their last 29 games in October. The Patriots are 20-8 ATS in their last 28 road games. The Patriots are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall. The Patriots are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 vs. the AFC. The underdog is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings between the two teams.

The Chargers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games in Week 6. The Chargers are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 home games. The Chargers are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games in October. The Chargers are 35-16-3 ATS in their last 54 vs. the AFC.

SBG Global Current Line: Chargers  -  6   ,  Total  44.5

The Over is 5-0 in the Patriots last 5 games in October. The Under is 6-1-1 in the Patriots last 8 vs. the AFC. The Over is 4-1 in the Patriots last 5 road games. The Under is 7-3-1 in the Patriots last 11 games overall. The Over is 4-1 in the Chargers last 5 games overall. The Under is 9-4 in the Chargers last 13 games in October.

Pick: Chargers 4 out of 5 units

New York Jets at San Diego Chargers
Monday, 8:30 pm Eastern – ESPN

SBG Global Opening Line: Chargers -  7.5 ,  Total  43

If there was ever a must-win game for an 0-2 game it would be on Monday night as the San Diego Chargers host the New York Jets.  Strangely enough though, New York quarterback Brett Favre has said it is a must win game for the 1-1 Jets.  The Chargers could easily be 2-0 instead of 0-2 but lost on the last play of the game in their opener against Carolina and last week lost to Denver on a bad call by an official and then a two point conversion. SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Chargers at Home.

If the Chargers lose on Monday night, history will be against them.  Since 1990 only three teams have started the season 0-3 and still made the playoffs and none since 1998.  The problem for San Diego is a defense that ranks 30^th in the NFL.  They definitely miss linebacker Shawne Merriman who is out for the season.  The Chargers are also dealing with an injury to LaDainian Tomlinson who has a toe injury. “Well, with another day of rest and treatment, it’s feeling a little better today, so hopefully, I’m just going to play it by ear this week, see how it feels later in the week,” Tomlinson said, “I’m hoping that it’s going to make big progress this week and by Monday night hopefully I’ll be as close to 100 percent as possible.”

The Jets won their opener but didn’t get much going last week against the Patriots.  The defense played well though and is eighth in the league in total defense.  The last time the Jets played in San Diego was in 2005 in a Wild Card game that they won 20-17 in overtime. Here are more NFL betting stats for Monday’s game. The Jets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games. The Jets are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games in Week 3. The Jets are 1-5 ATS vs. a team with a losing record. The Jets are 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings between the two teams.

SBG Global Current Line: Chargers -  8.5 ,  Total  44.5

The Chargers are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 home games. The Chargers are 39-17-3 ATS in their last 59 games on grass. The Chargers are 35-16-4 ATS in their last 55 vs. the AFC. The Chargers are 44-21-3 ATS in their last 68 games overall. The Chargers are 3-7-1 ATS in their last 11 games in Week 3. The Chargers are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in September.

The Under is 5-0 in the Jets last 5 games on grass. The Over is 4-0 in the Jets last 4 games in Week 3. The Under is 6-0 in the Jets last 6 games overall. The Under is 6-0 in the Jets last 6 vs. the AFC. The Under is 4-1 in the Jets last 5 road games. The Under is 4-0 in the Chargers last 4 Monday games.

Pick: Chargers 3 units

San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos
Sunday, 4:15 pm Eastern – CBS

SBG Global Opening Line: Chargers  -  2   ,  Total  45.5

Emotions could be running high on Sunday afternoon as AFC West rivals meet in Denver as the Broncos host the Chargers. The last time they played, Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers was seen yelling at Denver quarterback Jay Cutler. You can bet none of the Broncos players have forgotten what happened last season.  Rivers sure doesn’t want to talk about it. “I’m not going to get into it through you guys, through the media, all week long,” said Rivers, “I’m just not going to do it. I’m going to talk football about Denver and see what kind of team they are as I get to prepare for them and go play the game. Whatever happened to me is gone.” SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Broncos   at Home.

Denver lost both games to San Diego last season but the Broncos look like a much better team this year. They also will not have to deal with San Diego linebacker Shawne Merriman who is out for the year.  Merriman didn’t do much last week in the loss to Carolina and felt surgery was the best option for his injured knee.

Denver routed Oakland last week, winning 41-14 and looked very impressive with quarterback Jay Cutler throwing for 299 yards and two touchdowns.  Receiver Eddie Royal had a great game, catching nine balls for 146 yards and a TD.  Brandon Marshall was out last week due to suspension but he returns this week. “This just opens up a lot of possibilities for us,” Cutler said. “We anticipated B-Marsh getting a lot of double coverage up top, and now you can’t, because Eddie is on the other side. I’ve had a good feel for Eddie, and I’ve been throwing it his way more and more.”  The Chargers have won the last two meetings between the two teams in Denver.

Here is a look at the NFL betting stats for Sunday’s game. The Chargers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 road games. The Chargers are 19-7-3 ATS in their last 29 vs. the AFC West. The Chargers are 44-21-2 ATS in their last 67 games overall. The Chargers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games in September. The Chargers are 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings between the two teams.

SBG Global Current Line: Chargers  -  PK   ,  Total  45

The Broncos have won their last eight home openers. The Broncos are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games. The Broncos are 7-18 ATS in their last 25 games overall. The Broncos are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 vs. the AFC West.

The Broncos are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games in September.

The Over is 4-0 in the Chargers last 4 games in September. The Over is 11-3-2 in the Chargers last 16 road games. The Under is 14-6 in the Chargers last 20 vs. the AFC West.

The Over is 4-0 in the Broncos last 4 games in September. The Over is 11-1-1 in the Broncos last 13 home games. The Over is 7-1 in the Broncos last 8 vs. the AFC West. The Over is 20-6-1 in the Broncos last 27 games overall.

Pick: Broncos 3units

NFL Preseason Betting Preview
Seattle Seahawks at San Diego Chargers
Monday, 8:00 pm Eastern – ESPN

SBG Global Opening Line: Chargers  -  6  ,  Total  39.5

The matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and San Diego Chargers on Monday was expected to feature both starting quarterbacks but that will not be the case as Seattle starter Matt Hasselbeck is unlikely to play due to a stiff back.  Backup quarterback Seneca Wallace has been excellent this preseason but is unlikely to see much time since he has a sore groin so that means third string quarterback Charlie Frye will get the bulk of the snaps on Monday for Seattle. “Absolutely your starting quarterback has to be ready for the first regular-season game,” Seattle head coach Mike Holmgren said, “(With) the guys that have played as long as he has played … you are not quite as concerned about their minutes in the preseason. Now, I want him (Hasselbeck) to feel better. That’s my main concern. But as far as not playing or not getting enough reps, I don’t worry about that too much.” Seattle is also missing receivers Bobby Engram and Deion Branch due to injuries. SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Chargers at Home.

The Seahawks are excited about their rookie running back Justin Forsett.  He has 194 yards and a touchdown in the preseason.  He is battling with Julius Jones, T.J. Duckett and Maurice Morris for playing time.  The Chargers are also happy with their rookie running back.  Jacob Hester will see the bulk of the action on Monday since LaDainian Tomlinson is unlikely to play.  Tomlinson has not played in a preseason game since 2005.

SBG Global Current Line: Chargers  -  6  ,  Total  37

NFL betting stats show that the Chargers and Seahawks are meeting in the preseason for just the ninth time, with Seattle leading the series, 5-3. Last year the Seahawks won 24-16.   The two teams have met 48 times in the regular season with Seattle leading that series 25-23.  Another interesting NFL betting statistic shows that Seattle head coach Mike Holmgren was 37-25 to the over in his preseason career before this preseason began.  Holmgren has always been known as an offensive coach in Seattle and Green Bay so that should not come as a huge surprise.

Pick: Chargers 2 units

NFL Preseason Betting Preview
Dallas Cowboys at San Diego Chargers
Saturday, 10:00 pm Eastern – NFL Network

SBG Global Opening Line: Chargers  - 3 ,  Total  36

Even though it is just the preseason, Saturday night’s game between the Dallas Cowboys and San Diego Chargers should be interesting to watch as two of the top teams in the NFL do battle.  Many of the starters will get limited time but both teams have a lot of depth.  San Diego running back LaDanian Tomlinson will not play on Saturday while cornerbacks Terence Newman and Quincy Butler will not play for Dallas. SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the s taking Cowboys on the Road.

Starters for both teams are expected to go a series or two. “We’ve got a set amount of time we want to play them, a number of plays,” Dallas head coach Wade Phillips said. “We’re putting together a team, but we want to see how each individual plays and they’re looking forward to showing how they can play. In some cases they’re trying to make the team, some cases it’s trying to be better and some cases it’s a really good player trying to improve more.”

Dallas QB Tony Romo led Dallas last season, throwing for a team-record 4,211 yards and 36 touchdowns.  Brad Johnson will follow Romo after a couple of series on Saturday while rookie Richard Bartel will get a lot of action in the second half.

Chargers QB Philip Rivers is in his third season as San Diego’s starter. He has recovered from offseason ACL surgery.  Last year he passed for 3,152 yards and 21 touchdowns. He should play a couple of series on Saturday followed by Billy Volek and Charlie Whitehurst. The Chargers added offensive linemen Jeremy Newberry and L.J. Shelton in the off-season in addition to draft choice Antoine Cason.  The Chargers lost running back Michael Turner, cornerback Drayton Florence and safety Marlon McCree in the off-season.

SBG Global Current Line: Chargers  - 3 ,  Total  36

Chargers Head Coach Norv Turner was the offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys from 1991-93, helping the Cowboys to win the NFL betting Super Bowls XXVII and XXVIII. Cowboys Head Coach Wade Phillips was the Chargers’ defensive coordinator from 2004-06.

This is the 11th preseason meeting between the Chargers and Cowboys. Dallas has a 6-4 preseason series edge, though the Chargers won the last game, 28-16, in the 1990 preseason opener. The Cowboys also lead the regular-season series, having won six of the eight games.

Pick: Chargers 2units