Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert plans to start just seven days after undergoing hand surgery in what is a big game for both teams when the Chargers play host to the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night football.
Both teams enter the Week 14 finale at 8-4. The Eagles are on top of the NFC East but a lot would drop them two games behind a potential bye in the first round of the NFC playoffs. The Chargers are sitting in the sixth spot in the AFC, somewhat comfortable in the playoff picture with Indianapolis losing quarterback Daniel Jones for the season, but they can also pull even with 9-4 Buffalo with a win.
ODDS AND TRENDS
Philadelphia travels cross-country riding a two-game losing streak but was still a consensus 2.5-point favorite as of Monday evening. The line had been trimmed to 2.0 at BetRivers, where 71% of the spread-line money has backed the Eagles. Philadelphia’s -141 moneyline has also attacked 79% of the money.
The 41.5 total points line has seen the Over draw 65% of the money and 72% of the total bets. It’s worth noting that seven of the Chargers’ past eight Monday night games have gone Under the total points line.
PLAYER PROPS
–Eagles QB Jalen Hurts Anytime TD (+100 at BetRivers): Hurts said the “Tush Push” is getting harder to run successfully as defenses plan against it. But the fact remains that he has scored at least one touchdown in each of his past five road games against AFC teams, according to the book. Hurts did not score in the 24-15 loss to Chicago, but had rushed for three touchdowns in Philadelphia’s previous two games.
–Chargers WR Ladd McConkey 50+ Receiving Yards (-131 at DraftKings): This has been the popular player prop among Los Angeles players ahead of the game. McConkey has at least 50 receiving yards in six games this season, but has averaged just 26 over his past two games. Friskier options are available on 60+ (+121) and 70+ (+189).
INSIDE EDGE
The Chargers’ Quentin Johnston has 10 first-read targets inside the red zone this season, tied for the sixth-most among NFL wide receivers this season according to Inside Edge’s Remarkable engine. Inside Edge also notes that Hurts has completed just 65.9% of his passes with motion this season, the ninth-worst among qualified quarterbacks.
KEY STAT
Philadelphia has been outscored 84-56 in the fourth quarter this season.
“Some of these answers, when you are trying to fix things — it is hard — they aren’t clear,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said. “I never feel like when we’ve had a lead we’ve been conservative. Obviously we’re on a two-game losing streak right now. It’s just about getting back to that confidence and that consistency.”
Sirianni said this week that associate head coach Kevin Patullo would remain the offensive play-caller. Patullo’s New Jersey home was pelted with eggs early Saturday morning, hours after the Eagles lost to the Bears.
INJURY REPORT
Herbert is expected to be in the lineup despite the break in his left (non-throwing) hand, with the 27-year-old quarterback going through pre-game warmups on Monday. He sustained the fracture during the first quarter of the Chargers’ 31-14 home win over the Las Vegas Raiders last week. He left the contest and later returned with a cast to protect the hand.
Herbert underwent surgery Monday afternoon, and a plate and multiple screws were inserted into the hand. He was a limited practice participant on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
“I’m doing everything I can to be out there,” Herbert said. “I’d fight through anything for those guys. But at the end of the day, you’ve got to be realistic and listen to the doctors, because they know best. We’ll see how it goes.”
Herbert has passed for 2,842 yards and 21 touchdowns against 10 interceptions
Trey Lance would take over at quarterback against the Eagles if Herbert can’t play or is forced to leave the game. One player to lean on will be rookie running back Omarion Hampton, who is expected back after missing the past seven games with a left ankle fracture. He is listed as questionable.
The Eagles will be without star defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who underwent procedures on both shoulders earlier this week.
Philadelphia six-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Lane Johnson (foot) didn’t practice all week and was ruled out Saturday. Safety Marcus Epps (shoulder) and offensive tackle Myles Hinton (back) are questionable. Outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips (concussion) practiced in full on Saturday and didn’t receive a status designation.
For the Chargers, tight end Tucker Fisk (ankle) was the only player ruled out. In addition to Herbert and Hampton, running back Hassan Haskins (hamstring) and defensive lineman Otito Ogbonnia (elbow) are questionable.
Hampton was a full practice participant on Friday and Saturday. He was injured in Week 5 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
THEY SAID IT
“We’ve got a lot of opportunity in front of us. It takes a tight-knit group, it takes a collective and those are things we can control. You never run from accountability. … There are a lot of things we can improve on and have done well in the past. We just need to be more consistent and get everybody on the same page.” –Hurts
PREDICTION
For teams that started off the season looking like top-end contenders in their respective conferences, both are entering the stretch run with significant questions. The Eagles’ defense will be a handful for a Chargers offense counting on two injured starters carrying the load in the pass and ground games. By the same token, Philadelphia’s injury-plagued offensive line faces a tough task against Los Angeles’ solid front seven. Red zone scoring and turnovers will likely prove the difference. –Eagles 26, Chargers 23
