Cincinnati Bengals @ San Diego Chargers Week 13 Preview and Prediction
The San Diego Chargers franchise is spiraling out of control. It is difficult to understand why Coach Norv Turner still has a job after yet another disappointing second half collapse last Sunday versus Baltimore. The Chargers led 13-10 with less than 2 minutes to play in regulation but the defense could not stop an ineffective Raven offense on a crucial 4th and 29 when they allowed Ray Rice to gain a 30 yard first down after a short catch. The Ravens would tie the game as a result of that miracle first down, ultimately winning in overtime. The loss all but ends the Charger’s playoff hopes, putting Turner’s job on life support.
In stark contrast, the Cincinnati Bengals fly into San Diego riding a three game surge. While the Chargers look to avoid dropping the 7th of their last 8 games, Cincinnati seeks its first four game winning streak of the year. The Bengals have outscored their opponents by an average of 21.3 points over their current three game tear, with quarterback Andy Dalton throwing 9 touchdowns with no interceptions. Perhaps more importantly, the running game is starting to round into shape for the Orange and Black. Following a 189 yard performance in a 28-6 victory at Kansas City, Cincinnati racked up 221 in last Sunday’s 34-10 rout over the Raiders.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis scampered for a season-best 129 yards and a major score while Cedric Peerman tacked on 61 on eight carries for the Jungle Cats, who had been held to an average of 93.7 rushing yards through their first nine games. Cincinnati is 7-0 when running for at least 130 yards since the beginning of last year.
Cincinnati Bengals -1 @ San Diego Chargers (betting prediction)
The San Diego Chargers have been a good bet at home in December and January (4-1 last year), but these are not your daddy’s Powdered Blues. Norv Turner, who is a heralded offensive mind and a well-respected coach throughout the league, has lost the reins on this football team. Phillip Rivers does not look the same, and although the defense has improved they still give up key plays to lose games. If San Diego can turn this thing around, it has to be this week.
With the amount of discord in the ranks, I do not feel this club can get it done. This team’s identity was cast in stone when they gave up a 24 point first half lead to division rival Denver at home on Monday Night Football in Week 6.
Norv is 1-6 straight up and 2-5 versus the line in his last 7 outings this year. Marvin Lewis and his Bengals are 10-4-1 in their last 15 versus the spread on the road.
Play: Cincinnati Bengals -1 (5dimes.eu)
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NFL Record: 8-3
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