Los Angeles Chargers at Indianapolis Colts - 12/26/22 NFL Picks and Prediction
The Los Angeles Chargers and Indianapolis Colts face on Monday in a Week 16 NFL showdown at Lucas Oil Stadium. When these two teams faced off in 2019 it was the Chargers that won 30-24 in overtime.
The Chargers come into this game with an 8-6 record overall, and they have gone 8-5-1 against the spread. In the last game against the Tennessee Titans, it took 10 points in the 4th quarter, but it was enough to secure the 17-14 victory. Justin Herbert threw for 313 yards but had two interceptions. That has been one of the big issues for this team is that he has been inconsistent this year. The Chargers are averaging 22.3 points, while their defense is giving up 24.3 points per game. The defense is ranked 25th, and that will need to be improved upon here. Joshua Palmer has been the top receiver this season, putting up 714 yards and three touchdowns. Derwin James Jr is dealing with a quad injury, and it’s unclear if he’s going to be able to go in this game.
On the other side of this matchup is the Colts, who sit with a 4-9-1 record overall, and they have gone 6-8 against the spread. In the last game against the Minnesota Vikings, it looked like they were going to pick up their fifth win of the season. They were up 33-0 at halftime, and it looked like they were well on their way to the victory. In the second half, though, they blew the lead and ended up losing 39-36. The Colts have now decided to bench Matt Ryan, and they will turn to Nick Foles to get the start. The Colts are averaging 17.5 points while their defense is giving up 24.1 points. The offense is ranked 29th, while the defense is ranked 23rd. Jonathan Taylor is out of for the season. In the last game, Zack Moss finished with 24 carries for 81 yards. This game, they are going to need Foles and Moss to have a big game.
The Chargers are 5-2 against the spread in their last seven road games. The Colts are 4-1 against the spread in their last five games in December. The under is 4-1-1 in the last six meetings between the Colts and Chargers.
I think turning to Foles is the right move for the Colts. Foles can go toe to toe with Justin Herbert and find success. Herbert has been inconsistent, and I don’t trust him here. The Colts are going to get a big game from Foles, and that will be enough for the Colts to keep it close. Back the Colts against the spread.