San Diego Chargers vs. Detroit Lions: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

Two teams in playoff contention will square off on Saturday when the San Diego Chargers travel north and east to take on the Detroit Lions. 

The Chargers are 7-7 and in contention for the AFC West title, but will need some help to win that division, as the Broncos are 8-6 and play two sub-.500 teams.

The Lions come in to Saturday's game 9-5 and currently hold the NFC's final wild-card spot. 

 

Where: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

When: Saturday, Dec. 24 at 4:05 p.m. EST

Watch: CBS

 

Spread

Lions (-3), according to Bodava.

At home, this is a good number to bet on. The Chargers will have a hard time stopping Calvin Johnson in this one. 

 

Over/Under

52.5, according to Bodava. 

This one has shootout written all over it. I like the over in this one. 

 

Key Injuries

Chargers C Colin Baxter and LB Travis LaBoy are questionable. 

Chargers DE Jacques Cesaire and WR Vincent Jackson are probable.

Lions DT Corey Williams is doubtful. 

Lions DE Lawrence Jackson, CB Chris Houston, S Louis Delmas, CB Brandon MacDonald, DT Nick Fairley and S Chris Harris are questionable. 

Lions CB Aaron Barry is probable. 

 

Fantasy Big Plays

The Detroit defense is a good play. They have a rush that will get to Philip Rivers and force turnovers, even if the Chargers put up good point totals.

Malcom Floyd and Vincent Jackson are good options. I am still a little nervous about Philip Rivers' turnovers, but he will throw for a lot of yards. The receivers don't get hurt by his turnovers.

 

Keys to Chargers Win

The Chargers are winning now because they're not turning the ball over. If they protect the ball, there isn't a single team in the NFL they can't beat. That will start by putting blocking packages together to keep Philip Rivers upright.

 

Keys to Lions Win

Get to Rivers, which will force sacks and turnovers.

 

Prediction: Lions 31, Chargers 23

In Detroit, the Lions are too complete of a team in this one. Calvin Johnson will have a big day, and their pass rush will do what's needed against Philip Rivers and the Chargers' depleted offensive line.

 

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