Once a seven-point favorite in their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, the Los Angeles Chargers are now favored by just 3.5 points at BetMGM. The sharp drop in the spread is a strong indication that quarterback Justin Herbert is likely to miss Sunday’s game after suffering a fracture to his rib cartilage in last Thursday’s game against the Chiefs.
Officially, Herbert will be listed as questionable. He told reporters Friday he doesn’t if he’ll play and a decision will be made Sunday. Backup Chase Daniel took first-team reps at Friday’s practice.
The change to the spread came as Herbert was reportedly sidelined for at least the start of practice. According to ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry, he didn’t throw a single pass for the 19 minutes that practice was open to reporters.
Chargers practice was open for 19 minutes to reporters and during that period, QB Justin Herbert did not throw a single pass.
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) September 23, 2022
Line on the Chargers – Jags game was +7 for Jax …. It’s just recently moved to +3.5 @BetMGM …. Vegas doesn’t think Herbert is playing.
— Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR) September 23, 2022
According to Unabated’s MasseyPeabody ratings, the drop from QB1 to QB2 for the Chargers is 6.85 points. That means the spread could move even further if Herbert is ruled out.