Los Angeles Chargers Betting Odds

Last Updated on October 21, 2025 9:09 am by Allen

Team Overview

The Los Angeles Chargers enter 2025 with championship aspirations under second-year head coach Jim Harbaugh, but face a significant challenge after losing Pro Bowl left tackle Rashawn Slater to a season-ending patellar tendon injury. Despite this setback, the Chargers remain competitive in the AFC West with division odds of +300 to +340. The team’s strong defensive foundation and Justin Herbert’s continued development keep them in contention.

The Chargers had an impressive preseason, allowing just 18.3 points per game with standout defensive performances from both rookies and veterans. Their secondary, led by defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, showed significant improvement and depth throughout the preseason. However, the loss of Slater, who had just signed a four-year, $114 million extension making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history, significantly impacts their offensive outlook.

Offensive Line Analysis

The Chargers face their biggest challenge along the offensive line following Rashawn Slater’s devastating injury. Slater was among the NFL’s elite left tackles, ranking in the top 10 for run blocking and fourth in pass blocking in 2024. His absence forces the team to reshape their entire offensive line strategy.

Rookie Joe Alt, originally drafted to play right tackle, will likely move to the left side to protect Justin Herbert’s blind side. The remaining unit includes solid interior pieces, but the transition and loss of Slater’s elite play significantly downgrades what was expected to be a strong offensive line. The team’s run-heavy offensive philosophy under Harbaugh becomes more challenging to execute without their anchor at left tackle.

Defensive Line Analysis

Los Angeles boasts one of the NFL’s stronger defensive lines, anchored by edge rusher Khalil Mack and defensive tackle Derwin James Jr.’s versatility. The unit showed excellent depth during the preseason, with multiple players contributing across the defensive front. The addition of veteran pass rushers and young talent provides both immediate impact and future development.

The Chargers’ defensive line benefits from coordinator Jesse Minter’s aggressive scheme, which maximizes pressure while maintaining gap integrity against the run. Their ability to generate consistent pressure without blitzing allows the secondary to play tighter coverage, creating a synergistic effect throughout the defense. This defensive strength may need to carry more weight given the offensive line concerns.

2025 NFL Season

First Kickoff Game Summary vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The Los Angeles Chargers kicked off their season with a 27–21 victory against the Kansas City Chiefs in Brazil, highlighted by Justin Herbert’s three touchdown passes and a stout defensive effort. Quentin Johnston scored twice, including the game-clinching TD late in the fourth quarter.

Running back Najee Harris returned after missing training camp with an eye injury, while safety Elijah Molden remains limited by a lingering knee issue. The team managed to avoid major injuries in the opener and contained Patrick Mahomes despite defensive penalties.

Next up, the Chargers travel to face the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night, aiming to build on Herbert’s passing success and clean up discipline for their first division matchup.

Week 2 vs. Las Vegas Raiders

The Chargers secured their second consecutive victory with a dominant defensive performance on Monday Night Football. Justin Herbert threw for efficient numbers, connecting on scoring strikes including a 60-yard touchdown to Quentin Johnston. The defense intercepted Geno Smith three times, with Daiyan Henley, Tony Jefferson, and Donte Jackson all recording picks. Las Vegas managed only three field goals from Daniel Carlson despite reaching Chargers territory multiple times, highlighting their red-zone struggles and offensive inconsistency.

Week 3 vs. Denver Broncos

The Los Angeles Chargers achieved their first 3-0 start since 2002 with a thrilling 23-20 victory over Denver Broncos, capped by Cameron Dicker’s game-winning 43-yard field goal as time expired. Justin Herbert orchestrated a masterful comeback, finding Keenan Allen for a tying 20-yard touchdown with 2:44 remaining before leading the final scoring drive. The victory was particularly impressive as the Chargers became just the third team since realignment to defeat division opponents in each of their first three games, having already beaten the Chiefs and Raiders earlier in the season. Herbert went 4-for-4 on the game-winning drive, demonstrating the poise that has made him one of the league’s elite quarterbacks.

However, the victory came at a significant cost as the Chargers suffered a potentially season-altering injury when running back Najee Harris went down with an Achilles injury that could sideline him for the remainder of the season. Despite this setback, Jim Harbaugh’s squad now sits atop the AFC West with a perfect record and has established themselves as legitimate contenders. The Chargers will look to maintain their momentum when they face the New York Giants next week, though they’ll need to find solutions in their backfield without their lead rusher.

Week 4 vs. New York Giants

The Chargers suffered their first loss of the season in stunning fashion, falling 21-18 to the New York Giants despite entering as heavy favorites. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart led the Giants to victory in his first career start, while Justin Herbert struggled under constant pressure, completing just 23 of 41 passes for 203 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions. The loss was particularly damaging given that it came against a winless Giants team that had looked overmatched in previous weeks.

Injuries on defense have significantly impacted the Chargers, with Khalil Mack on IR and key players like Denzel Perryman and Elijah Molden dealing with various ailments. Los Angeles travels to face the Washington Commanders in Week 5, needing to rebound quickly to maintain their division lead.

Week 5 vs. Washington Commanders

The Chargers stumbled at home, losing 27-10 to the Washington Commanders as Justin Herbert struggled under defensive pressure for 166 yards, one score, and an interception. The Chargers’ offensive line surrendered four sacks and the defense couldn’t contain Washington after taking an early lead, with Da’Shawn Hand leaving with a groin injury.

Their next challenge is a road matchup against the Miami Dolphins, with Los Angeles focused on sharpening offensive consistency and adjusting defensive schemes to better handle fast-paced opponents.

Week 6 vs. Miami Dolphins

The Los Angeles Chargers escaped with a thrilling 29-27 victory over the Miami Dolphins in Week 6 thanks to Cameron Dicker’s game-winning 35-yard field goal as time expired. Justin Herbert orchestrated the final drive brilliantly, connecting with Ladd McConkey on a crucial 42-yard completion to set up the kick. Defensively, the Chargers forced three Tua Tagovailoa interceptions including a game-sealing pick by Derwin James, while Kimani Vidal contributed 79 rushing yards. Los Angeles improved to 4-2 and traveled to Indianapolis to face the Colts in Week 7.​

Week 7 vs. Indianapolis Colts

The Los Angeles Chargers’ slide continued in Week 7 with a disappointing 38-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts at SoFi Stadium. Despite Justin Herbert’s career-high 420 passing yards on 37 of 55 attempts, the Chargers couldn’t overcome Jonathan Taylor’s three-touchdown performance and fell to 4-3. Los Angeles scored 21 second-half points but couldn’t overcome their slow start, managing just three points in the opening two quarters while their running game stalled with just 54 yards on 16 carries. The Chargers host the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday Night Football in Week 8.​​

Odds to Win Division and Super Bowl

Despite the Slater injury, the Chargers maintain competitive division odds at +300 to +340, placing them third in the AFC West behind Kansas City and Denver. Their Super Bowl LX odds sit at +2500, reflecting both their potential and the significant obstacle posed by Slater’s absence. AFC Championship odds are +1300, indicating bookmakers view them as capable but face significant challenges.

The betting markets have adjusted to account for Slater’s injury, but the Chargers’ odds remain competitive based on their defensive strength and Herbert’s talent. Some analysts believe the team’s overall talent level can overcome the offensive line issues, particularly if Joe Alt develops quickly at left tackle.

Predictions

Projection models are mixed on the Chargers’ 2025 outlook, with estimates ranging from 8-9 wins due to the Slater injury to 11-12 wins based on their overall talent. The team’s floor appears to be around 8 wins, while their ceiling depends heavily on how quickly the offensive line adjusts and whether Herbert can continue his elite play despite increased pressure.

The Chargers’ success hinges on several factors: Joe Alt’s transition to left tackle, the defense maintaining its high level of play, and Herbert’s ability to elevate those around him. If the offensive line stabilizes and the defense continues its upward trajectory under Minter, Los Angeles could surprise and contend for the division title. However, the loss of Slater represents a significant hurdle in what was already expected to be a competitive AFC West.