The Los Angeles Chargers host the Kansas City Chiefs in a high-stakes Thursday night affair in Week 15. The Chiefs (9-4) lead the AFC West, while the second-place Chargers (8-5) are gunning for the division’s top spot.
DraftKings and FanDuel both have the Chargers as 4-point home dogs in early wagering. DraftKings is dealing the total at 51, while UNDER bettors can find an extra half-point at FanDuel. Both sportsbooks also have enticing any time touchdown scorer props for bettors interested in a little extra action.
The Chargers are statistically one of the league’s top offenses. Meanwhile, the Chiefs have been utterly dominant on the defensive side of the ball of late. One could argue the Cowboys were the only quality offense the Chiefs faced over their recent suffocating stretch. But limiting NFL offenses to 9.6 points-per-game over a five-game span is hardly something at which one can sneeze.
Chargers Potentially Undermanned
With a number of the Chargers’ key pieces missing early practice reps though — namely Austin Ekeler, Mike Williams, and Jared Cook — it’s reasonable to anticipate some of their secondary threats seeing increased opportunity. It’s also fair to ask to what degree the Chargers may struggle to score as many points as anticipated.
Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen is an integral piece of the offense even when the team is at full strength. But this is a case he may need to do a bit more of the heavy lifting. Allen isn’t a prolific touchdown-scorer — he’s scored 46 times in 112 career games — but that won’t necessarily preclude him from finding paydirt in Thursday’s contest.
Ekeler (16) and Williams (seven) account for 54.7 percent of the Chargers’ offensive touchdowns this season. Meanwhile, Allen’s four scores rank tied for third alongside Cook. Allen is +150 on DraftKings to earn a spike.
Touchdowns aren’t Allen’s forte, but what he does quite well is draw — and catch — underneath passes. His 86 receptions place second on the team in touches. If the Chargers are to remain competitive throughout this contest, someone is going to have to score, and Allen may be the only premium weapon at Justin Herbert’s disposal.
Two More Anytime TD Scorer Considerations
Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Chargers speedster Jalen Guyton are worth consideration for touchdown scorer props bettors as well.
Edwards-Helaire has demonstrated an ability to find the paint through the air as well as on the ground. He’s averaging a touchdown per 23.4 touches on the season. Admittedly, that’s not a figure that inspires much optimism, considering Edwards-Helaire is unlikely to draw that degree of volume. However, he has three touchdowns in three games since returning to action. FanDuel (+105) has the best price for those willing to place a wager on him scoring.
Guyton has caught each of his seven targets over the last two weeks and taken one to the house in both contests. He won’t dominate target share, but he could earn a few more chances at splash plays with Williams slowed — or even inactive. He’s +350 on DraftKings to connect with Justin Herbert for six.
Also read: NFL Week 15 odds and early line moves
About the Author
