Sunday Night Football Preview: Will the Chargers Surge Past the Bears?

After a must-see matchup between the Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles in Week 7, Sunday Night Football's upcoming matchup misses the mark with the Chicago Bears visiting the Los Angeles Chargers.

The "Battle of Disappointment" pretty much summarizes this matchup. The Bears (2-5) have floundered after some expected the franchise to improve, and the Chargers (2-4) continue to underachieve with coach Brandon Staley at the helm. Through seven games, Chicago is 2-4-1 against the spread (ATS), and they currently hold a top-three pick for the 2024 NFL Draft. Meanwhile, Los Angeles is +205 to make the postseason when looking at FanDuel Sportsbook's NFL playoff odds.

Despite their two-win start, the Chargers are still significant 8.5-point favorites for Week 8's matchup, per FanDuel's NFL odds. Will LA roll to their third win?

Bears vs. Chargers Week 8 Betting Odds: Spread, Total, and Moneyline

• Spread: Chargers -8.5 (-110)
• Total: 46.5
• Moneyline:
  • Chargers: -460
  • Dolphins: +360

Bears vs. Chargers Week 8 Matchup Analysis

Following back-to-back losses against the Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs, the Chargers must get back on track -- and fast. The Bears will likely be the most favorable matchup over the next five games. Following Chicago, the New York Jets, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Baltimore Ravens await.

Fortunately, Los Angeles has 13th-easiest remaining schedule, but their projected win total is only 8.5 with the over juiced to +100. The Bears -- along with upcoming matchups against the Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders -- are must-win matchups for the Chargers if they are to earn a postseason berth.

numberFire's nERD-based power rankings suggest LA should have multiple advantages on SNF. The Bolts are 15th in numberFire's power rankings compared to Chicago at 28th. Justin Herbert and Co. could feast against the Bears' susceptible secondary, which holds the third-worst mark in passing yards allowed per game and ranks third-to-last in numberFire's adjusted pass defense ratings.

However, Chicago showed improvement in Week 7 with a 30-12 win over the Raiders. The defense surrendered only 235 yards while reeling in three interceptions; one was a pick-six from Jaylon Johnson, who has a 4.2 passer rating allowed in single coverage.

Los Angeles' receiving corps continues to be ravaged by injuries, as well. Of course, Mike Williams is out for the season, but Josh Palmer is also questionable with a knee injury. Even the tight room has taken a hit with Gerald Everett's status in doubt (hip).

Plus, first-round rookie Quentin Johnston has struggled. His snap share jumped to 52.5% in Week 7, but he was only targeted twice with one catch for 20 yards.

Maybe finding success through the air against the Bears won't be as easy as most would expect.

Chicago is dealing with plenty of injuries, too. Justin Fields is doubtful (thumb), and right tackle Darnell Wright, Eddie Jackson (foot), and Jaquan Brisker (illness) are all questionable. Fields, Johnson, and Jackson were all absent last week.

This matchup could simply come down to Herbert working his magic with a limited receiving unit. The Bears have the 13th-best run defense in numberFire's rankings and allowed only 39 rushing yards on 2.8 yards per attempt in Week 7. LA's ground game has been mediocre at best.

Without Fields, Khalil Herbert, and Johnson last week, Chicago still totaled 173 rushing yards on 4.6 yards per carry. They have the sixth-best adjusted run offense, and the Chargers are in the bottom half of adjusted run defense.

Ultimately, the Bolts' offense could have less success than expected, and the Bears could play keep away with a successful rushing attack. Give me Chicago to cover the point spread.

Bears vs. Chargers Prop Bets

All NFL odds via FanDuel Sportsbook. Lines may change after this article is published.

Keenan Allen Over 78.5 Receiving Yards (-114)

With Josh Palmer and Gerald Everett's status unknown, the Chargers' passing game could heavily lean on Keenan Allen. His target share has been excellent, even before Mike Williams' season-ending injury. Allen is averaging 10.7 targets and 95.7 receiving yards per game.

Justin Herbert is regularly targeting Allen down the field, as he has a team-best 3.8 targets of 10.0 or more yards per game. This isn't force-feeding, either, with Allen consistently getting open. In fact, he ranks within the top 20 with an average of 3.7 yards of separation.

Allen seems on track to make his first Pro Bowl since 2021 thanks to his exceptional stat lines. After erupting for 326 receiving yards from Week 2 to Week 3, his average has dropped to 57.3 yards per game over the previous three contests, but with various injuries, it feels like a matter of time before Allen returns to form.

He has a prime opportunity to dominate on SNF. The Bears have consistently allowed explosive plays through the air, ranking 27th in yards allowed per passing attempt while holding the 10th-worst mark in deep yards allowed. Additionally, Chicago struggles to rush the quarterback, holding the second-worst pressure rate. Herbert could have all day to find his favorite target.

As previously mentioned, Jaylon Johnson has been the clear bright spot of the Bears' secondary. He has been excellent in man coverage and has an 85.5 grade via Pro Football Focus.

Allen can avoid Chicago's shining cornerback, though. LA's star receiver lines up in the slot on 59.8% of snaps. This should leave Allen with much more favorable matchups, such as battles with Kyler Gordon. Chicago's pass defense improved last week, but it was against the Raiders with second-string quarterback Brian Hoyer.

I'm expecting a big night for Allen -- especially if Palmer and/or Everett do not play. Targeting Allen's receptions could be another wise wager.

D'Onta Foreman Anytime Touchdown Scorer (+230)

After the Bears totaled 173 rushing yards in Week 7, I have to take someone in the run game. D'Onta Foreman could be the obvious choice; he comes off his best game of the season with 89 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

However, rookie running back Roschon Johnson is expected to return from injury after missing the last two games with a concussion. Johnson is averaging only five carries per game. From Week 3 to Week 5 -- when Khalil Herbert and Johnson were available -- Foreman received no snaps. Could Johnson's return mean fewer touches for Foreman?

Naturally, Foreman's workload could dip with Johnson back into the equation, but it's not like Foreman was never leaving the field over the last two weeks. He was in for only 47.8% of snaps last week. Still, Foreman managed to rack up 120 scrimmage yards and touted 75.0% of the red zone carries.

Chicago's running backs should have a busy day ahead with Justin Fields likely out. Tyson Bagent is in line to start once again, and he totaled only three carries last week. Of course, the undrafted rookie QB does not have the same mobility as Fields. Foreman and Johnson should get plenty of touches after the running backs totaled 30 attempts in Week 7.

Foreman accrued 31.5 rushing yards over expectation (RYOE) in Week 7; he should still be a mainstay in the backfield. His projected rushing yard total sits at 48.5 compared to Johnson's 30.5, per FanDuel's NFL lines. With the snap share unclear, I'm targeting an anytime touchdown for Foreman.

First off, look at those odds: +230. Count me in! Foreman had a heavy workload in the red zone last week, and Johnson has only one touchdown over five outings. I'm all in on Foreman scampering into the end zone.

Looking for the latest NFL odds? Head over to FanDuel Sportsbook and check out all of the NFL betting options.

Sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook and FanDuel Daily Fantasy today!

The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.