LA Chargers: Week12 staff predictions vs. Buffalo Bills

The LA Chargers are on the road to take on the Buffalo Bills in Week 12.

The LA Chargers have not won consecutive games since Week 9 and 10 of the 2019 season and have a chance to do so in Week 12 against the Buffalo Bills.

It is not going to be an easy task as the Chargers are on the road against the AFC East-leading Bills but there absolutely is a possibility. Bettors certainly like the Chargers’ odds of at least covering against the Bills as the line has moved 2.5 points from its opening spot in favor of the Chargers.

We are not concerned with the spread in this game, however, the Bolt Beat staff is concerned with the total. Every week we predict both the winner of each Chargers game as well as the total points scored.

The total in this game varies, but we are going with 52 points, courtesy of The Action Network.

Staff predictions for LA Chargers vs. Buffalo Bills:

Alex Insdorf (11-7): Buffalo Bills 34, LA Chargers 30

“This game has shootout written all over it with two struggling secondaries and two surging quarterbacks. Chargers keep it close, but there are too many injuries to try to make up for. Casey Hayward’s a huge loss in this one.”

Brandon Viera (7-11): Buffalo Bills 34, LA Chargers 31

“It’s taking everything in me to not pick the Chargers to upset the Bills. However, I think the defense will struggle as they have all season, and it will be too much for Justin Herbert and the offense to overcome even if Austin Ekeler does return. However, look for Herbert to win Rookie of the Week once again.”

Devon Auriemma (15-5): Buffalo Bills 30, LA Chargers 24

“Both defenses have struggled this season and with the Chargers down three more key defensive players, this game could turn into a shootout. Josh Allen and Justin Herbert have been great this year and both have favorable matchups. I’ll give the Bills the slight edge due to the Chargers defense being decimated by injuries, but it could go either way.”

Ryan Daley (14-2): Buffalo Bills 35, LA Chargers 21

“This is probably going to be an ugly game for the Chargers, but hopefully they don’t get killed.”

Steven Haglund (14-4): LA Chargers 37, Buffalo Bills 34

“The Chargers defense is in a really tough spot without Melvin Ingram, Casey Hayward and Uchenna Nwosu. But the returns of Austin Ekeler and Chris Harris should give them just the boost they need.

Josh Allen can be quite reckless with the ball at times so the Chargers should be able to get at least one turnover which will be the difference in the game. Big day for Justin Herbert as he gets his third career win in an upset effort over the Bills.”

Tyler Gallagher (14-6): Buffalo Bills 34, LA Chargers 31

“Get ready for another offensive shootout in this one, as Stefon Diggs will run wild against any Chargers corner, and Justin Herbert will have another field day, although Keenan Allen will have a much harder time this week against Tre’Davious White. The difference in this one will be forcing and taking advantage of Josh Allen turnovers.

With Joey Bosa being the Chargers’ only available pass rusher, Allen should have plenty of time in the pocket en route to a fairly efficient day, resulting in another narrow Chargers loss.”

Jason Reed (13-7): LA Chargers 37, Buffalo Bills 35

Everyone is zigging. Steven and I am zagging.

Is it false hope? Probably. Could I look like a fool after this game when I am the only one to pick the Chargers, especially if they lose in typical Charger-fashion? Absolutely. It is the Chargers, after all.

However, every single season the Chargers seemingly win one game that they were not supposed to win. One upset that ruins everyone’s survivor pools and makes us realize that this is indeed a talented team, they just cannot finish games.

They took the Chiefs and Saints to overtime. They are both better than the Bills. They both also have much better defenses than the Bills.

The injuries on the defensive side of the football are worrisome but this could be a blessing in disguise. This will keep Anthony Lynn and Shane Steichen from getting comfortable and running conservative play calls.

Instead, they will know that Justin Herbert has to carry this team to even have a chance. For that reason, Herbert will have a massive game.

Yes, they are on the road. Yes, they are a West Coast team playing at 10:00 a.m. Los Angeles time. Yes, all signs are pointing to them losing this game.

That is why they will win with a Michael Badgley field goal at the end of the game.