Charger Report

Wild-Card Chargers disrespected in new Super Bowl odds and NFL Power Rankings

Despite wins over both teams earlier this season, the Chargers are given a worse chance to reach Super Bowl LX than the Chiefs and Broncos.
Richie Whitt|
Justin Herbert
Justin Herbert | Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert is playing like an MVP and Jim Harbaugh is a football genius and the 7-4 Los Angeles Chargers are currently the top team in the AFC Wild Card chase. But is it all downhill from here for the Bolts?

That seems to be the opinion of NFL experts and oddsmakers, neither of whom give the Chargers a good chance of winning the AFC West or playing in Super Bowl LX. Where does the skepticism come from: the Chargers' past injuries, and future schedule.

MORE: Ridiculous Raiders are just what the doctor ordered for Chargers coming off ugly loss

Most teams don't survive the loss of their top two offensive tackles (Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt) and top two running backs (Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton). And most teams don't face a grueling down-the-stretch schedule which - after Sunday's layup over the dismal Raiders - features five games against playoff-caliber opponents in the Eagles, Chiefs, Cowboys, Texans and Broncos.

After last weekend's Bye the Bolts remained at No. 15 in the Power Rankings, well behind the Broncos (No. 2) and Chiefs (No. 10). The Chargers beat both teams earlier in the season.

Writes The Athletic of the doom-and-gloom: "It seems unlikely, but if they can just find a way to stabilize their front five, this is a team that could make a run. But the injuries to Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater may be too much to overcome."

MORE: Another hit on Chargers' Justin Herbert reportedly drawing fine from NFL

The Chargers' odds for Super Bowl LX are +4500, down from +2500 at the start of the season and only 13th-best in the NFL. They are, again, well behind the Chiefs (+1050) and Broncos (+1400).

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Jim Harbaugh
Jim Harbaugh | Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Richie Whitt
RICHIE WHITT

Richie Whitt has been a sports media fixture in Dallas-Fort Worth since graduating from UT-Arlington in 1986. His career is highlighted by successful stints in print (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), TV (NBC5) and radio (105.3 The Fan). During his almost 40-year tenure, he's blabbed and blogged on events ranging from Super Bowls to NBA Finals to World Series to Stanley Cups to Olympics to Wimbledons to World Cups. Whitt has been covering the NFL since 1989, and in 1993 authored The 'Boys Are Back, a book chronicling the Dallas Cowboys' run to Super Bowl XXVII.

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