The Buffalo Bills are, according to sportsbook NFL odds, four-point road dogs against the Los Angeles Chargers, which may or may not have do with the fact that head coach Sean McDermott has decided to bench Tyrod Taylor and start instead fifth-round rookie Nathan Peterman. “This is not an indictment on Tyrod. He is an important part of our team and will continue to be an important part of our team,” McDermott said. Yeah, try selling that bill of goods to fans who bet on NFL, as if Taylor weren’t well on his way to joining Sammy Watkins and Marcell Dareus as a former Bills player.
“I’ve been on both sides of this situation and I’m very thankful for this opportunity. Tyrod and I have a great relationship, but I know I have to earn this position every day.” pic.twitter.com/frdDE8D2uM
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) November 15, 2017
- Date: Sunday, 19th November
- Time: 4:10 PM
- Venue: StubHub Center
NFL betting spread:
Bills +4 (-105) 43½ (-110)
Chargers -4 (-115) 43½ (-110)
Tyrod of carrying the Bills
The Bills are 5-4 SU and 4-3-1 ATS in nine Taylor starts this season, but Buffalo has lost, and failed to cover in, the last two straight, including having their posteriors handed to them, 10-47, by the Saints on Sunday. Even though it was LeSean McCoy and the rest of the running attack that went MIA against Saints, it’s Taylor who’s getting the shaft (shaft!) for the Bills horrible offense (28th in total offense, 30th in passing, and 19th in scoring). But to be completely fair, the passing game is averaging just 180.4 yards per game.
Peterman
Peterman led Buffalo’s only touchdown against New Orleans in a relief appearance. “Nate’s come in, he’s handled himself well. He handled himself well in the game the other day,” McDermott said. “He’s poised, he’s mature beyond his years, he’s worked hard. I wouldn’t make this move if I didn’t think he was ready.” The Bills coach may have jumped the gun (if not the shark), though. The Bills are, after all, 11-1 outright and 11-0-1 against the sportsbook NFL odds spread in their last 12 following back-to-back losses.
The Rivers of Babylon
While the Bills are nonchalantly sitting their starting QB, the Chargers are praying that Philip Rivers will be able to start on Sunday. Rivers was placed on concussion protocol after he experienced symptoms in the loss to the Jaguars on Sunday. The Chargers have lost their last two straight as well (but have fared better ATS-wise, covering in three of their last four), and are 3-6 this season, so losing their starter since 2006 is the last thing they need. Well, that and an ingrown nail. No one needs that.
The Chargers Stats
The Chargers have won their last seven home games following back-to-back road games. They have covered in just one of their last eight at StubArticle Center in November. Los Angeles is, moreover, 7-19 ATS in their last 26 home games, and 4-1 ATS in their last five overall. The home team is 5-1 ATS in the last six encounters between these teams. The sportsbook NFL odds total has gone over in the last four Bills games. However they have gone under in the last four Chargers games, so it’s kind of a tossup on that department.