The city rivals who play in different NFL conferences will cross swords on Sunday, January 1, and here you can read the best Rams vs. Chargers betting pick and odds.

The Chargers are hoping for the fourth consecutive win when they welcome the Rams at SoFi Stadium. The Chargers are -6.5 favorites on MyBookie Sportsbook, while the total is set at 41 points. These inter-conference rivals will meet for the first time since 2018.

Rams destroyed the Broncos at home

The Los Angeles Rams (5-10-0, 6-8-1 ATS) responded to a six-game losing streak with two wins in three games. The Rams beat the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 14 and then dismantled the Denver Broncos by scoring a season-high 51 points in a 51-14 victory at home. Los Angeles controlled the possession (36:35-23:25) and was better in total yards (388-323) and first downs (26-18), but the defense was playing at the highest level as it forced four turnovers.

Cobie Durant had an 85-yard pick-six late in the fourth quarter when the tilt was already decided. Baker Mayfield completed 24 of 28 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns. Tyler Higbee sliced the Broncos’ secondary with 94 yards and a couple of touchdowns on nine receptions (11 targets), while Brycen Hopkins had 57 yards on three catches. Los Angeles dominated on the ground with 158 yards and three touchdowns. Cam Akers scored all three touchdowns as he had a game-high 18 yards on 23 carries. On defense, the Rams had six sacks opposite Denver’s zero. Larrell Murchison got two of them, while Bobby Wagner led the team with eight tackles.

QB Matthew Stafford (neck), WR Allen Robinson II (neck), and WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) are out indefinitely. DT Aaron Donald (ankle), LB Travin Howard (hip), QB John Wolford (neck), and DT Marquise Copeland (ankle) are questionable to face the Chargers on Sunday.

Chargers locked the Colts to get a road win

The Los Angeles Chargers (9-6-0, 9-5-1 ATS) are going through their best period of the season, at least when it comes to defense. The Chargers are on a three-game winning run during which they kept the opponents to 17 or fewer points. However, in the latest road victory over the Indianapolis Colts, the Chargers allowed a season-low three points as they scored 20 on the other end. Now, they have a chance to record the fourth consecutive win for the first time this year and clinch a playoff spot. Los Angeles dominated total yards (314-173) and first downs (17-10) in Indianapolis.

Justin Herbert completed 24 of 31 passes for 235 yards and an interception. He failed to throw for a TD in two straight games which happened for the first time in Herbert’s three-year career. Austin Ekeler scored a pair of rushing touchdowns as he had a game-high 67 yards on 18 attempts. Keenan Allen led all the receivers with 104 yards on 11 catches (14 targets), while Mike Williams added 76 yards on four receptions. Defensively, the Chargers registered seven sacks opposite the Colts’ four. Morgan Fox was credited with two of them, while Drue Tranquill had a game-high 11 tackles.

K Dustin Hopkins (hamstring), DE Joey Bosa (groin), CB J.C. Jackson (knee), and WR Jalen Guyton (knee) are out indefinitely. S Derwin James Jr. (concussion) is questionable to feature on Sunday against the Rams.

Trends:

Rams:

  • 2-7 ATS in the last nine games following a straight-up win of more than 14 points
  • 1-3-1 ATS in the last five road games

Chargers:

  • 5-2-1 ATS in the last eight games overall
  • 4-0-1 ATS in the last five games after accumulating more than 250 yards passing in their previous game

Los Angeles Rams vs. Los Angeles Chargers Pick

The Rams did dismantle the disappointing Broncos, but it’s going to be a whole different story against the Chargers on Sunday. There is no home-field advantage as both teams play at SoFi Stadium, but the Chargers are much more motivated than the Rams as they are chasing a playoff spot and can clinch it with a victory here. The Rams’ pass defense allows 226.5 yards per game, and I am backing Herbert, Allen, Williams, and Ekeler to do damage in the air and combine for 300+ yards in a win. The Rams score 1807 points per game, and given how well the Chargers are playing on defense lately, I don’t think the nominal visitors have a chance.

Pick: Take the Chargers at -4.5 (-133)

The Total

The Chargers tightened up the defense, but their offense is slowing down a bit as a result of Herbert’s inability to throw for a TD pass in the last two games. I do believe he will throw for at least two on Sunday, but don’t expect the hosts to erupt offensively. Under is 6-1 in the Rams’ last seven road games; Under is 4-0 in the Chargers’ previous four games overall, while Under is 4-0 in the Chargers’ last four games following a straight-up win.

Pick: Go Under 42.5 points (-130)