Los Angeles Chargers: Staff predictions for Bengals-Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers are coming off of a huge victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers and now face a dismantled Cincinnati Bengals team.

The Los Angeles Chargers are coming off the team’s biggest win of the season as the Bolts were able to overcome a 16-point deficit to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers with a field goal at the end of regulation.

This cemented the Chargers as bonafide contenders in the AFC and kept the chances of winning the division alive. Without Kareem Hunt and Sammy Watkins, the Chargers need to win out, have the Chiefs lose one other game as well as lose to the Chargers in Week 15.

The Chargers cannot get too ahead of the curve, though, and must remain focused on the team’s Week 14 matchup. With a huge win in the rearview mirror and a huge game right ahead of them, this game is a bonafide trap game if I have ever seen one.

Here is how we think the contest is going to go down.

Jamaal Artis (15-4): 35-20, Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers get a chance to solidify a playoff berth with a home game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals are in the midst of four-game losing streak as they struggle on offense.

Lamarr Fields (14-7): 27-10, Los Angeles Chargers

With A.J. Green and Andy Dalton out, this game will be easy for the Chargers. They will not even need Melvin Gordon. Philip Rivers will put up big numbers as well as Keenan Allen. Joey Bosa will be all over Jeff Driskel, forcing him to throw a couple picks.

Redan Lopez (14-5): 38-21, Los Angeles Chargers

I think this game is going to be a blowout. The Bengals have the worst defense in the league, allowing the most points per game. Down wide receiver A.J. Green and starting quarterback Andy Dalton, the Bengals stand no chance offensively.

Even without running back Melvin Gordon, the Chargers should dominate on both ends of the ball. I think Chargers rookie running back Justin Jackson has an absolute field day, scoring two touchdowns. The Chargers defense will also have a pick six.

The Chargers will get out in front and not relinquish the lead, keeping them in the hunt for a playoff spot.

Jason Reed (19-3): 28-10, Los Angeles Chargers

This game is a trap game by all means but the Los Angeles Chargers are simply more talented than the Bengals. Hopefully, the Chargers do not fall into the trap, come out firing early and cruise to an easy 18-point victory.

The Bengals will put a score on the board either in garbage time or on a run but there is no reason to expect Driskel to do good against this defense. This should be a relatively smooth game as the Chargers try not to show too much with the Chiefs looming.