Buffalo Bills-Los Angeles Chargers Odds and Picks Against the Spread

BUFFALO BILLS AT LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (-4.5, O/U 43.5), Sun., 4:05 p.m. ET

As often is the case this time of the season, the focus is on the quarterbacks.

The Bills have swapped out a healthy Tyrod Taylor for an untested Nathan Peterman. Philip Rivers, at the opposite end of the experience spectrum, self-reported a possible concussion Monday. He practiced Wednesday, a sign that his consecutive starts streak might be extended to 185.

Buffalo is reeling from perhaps the most one-sided beating of the NFL season last Sunday against New Orleans. L.A. is reeling, too, from yet another closely fought loss — this one in overtime at Jacksonville.

For now, the Chargers have been cropped out of the playoff picture. Buffalo remains in the photo, but it’s a reach to imagine the Bills qualifying with Peterman at the helm.

LINE MOVEMENTS AND TRENDS

The spread has toggled between 3.5 and four as the public tries to ascertain Rivers’ status and absorb the Bills’ surprising switcheroo. Buffalo has been beaten four straight times ATS when traveling to face foes with a losing record.

The Chargers’ move from San Diego has not helped them against the line at home. They are 1-4 this year, extending a long-term slump that goes back 26 games — only six of them wins ATS.

BREAKDOWN

The Chargers’ impressive pass rushers are sharpening their knives for Peterman. The rookie, picked in the fifth round, completed only seven of 19 throws in reserve last Sunday.

Count on Peterman handing off more than dropping back. L.A. yields the most rushing yardage of any team. Buffalo needs RB LeSean McCoy to record his third 100-yard rushing game of the year, or at least better his 3.8-yard clip per carry.

L.A. certainly prefers Rivers over backup Kellen Clemens, but the veteran is on pace for his worst season. He has curtailed downfield passes, partly a reflection of a so-so receiving corps.

Buffalo’s defense has been shredded on the ground the past two weeks. The trend might help RB Melvin Gordon get cranked up as Chargers coach Anthony Lynn, the Bills’ RBs assistant the past two seasons, seeks to revive the ground game to take some heat off Rivers.

PICK

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