The Los Angeles Chargers’ 2022 season ended in disappointment after blowing a 27-point lead in their 31-30 wild-card round loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
However, it was a relatively fitting end to the campaign for a squad that never quite lived up to expectations and was hampered by injuries, some of which may have been avoidable.
The offseason hiring of OC Kellen Moore is a significant development and should bring a fresh dynamic to the Chargers’ offense this season.
Without any further ado, let’s examine the Chargers’ betting odds for the 2023 NFL season.
Chargers Futures Betting Odds
Note: These NFL betting odds are current as of Tuesday, June 13, and provided by DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Win Super Bowl: +2500
- Win AFC Championship: +1300
- Win AFC West: +340
- Make Playoffs: Yes (+100) / No (-120)
- Regular-Season Win Total: Over 9.5 (-110) / Under 9.5 (-110)
Chargers Super Bowl 58 Odds
Chargers: Win Super Bowl (+2500)
Every offseason, it feels like Los Angeles is a dark-horse candidate in the preseason Super Bowl odds. And every year, the Chargers fail to deliver when it matters most.
Will this season be any different?
The Chargers’ record over the last four years indicates a slow and steady progression, but at some point, Justin Herbert and Co. will have to take a significant leap forward to compete for a Lombardi Trophy.
I wouldn’t be surprised if this is the year LA takes that step.
Having Moore call plays should help Herbert unlock his potential, especially when taking shots down the field. The potential emergence of 2023 first-rounder Quentin Johnston should also help, while Herbert still has reliable weapons in Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, and Mike Williams.
If the offense becomes more explosive and key players on defense stay healthy, namely Joey Bosa, J.C. Jackson, and Khalil Mack, then the Chargers can compete for a Super Bowl.
Chargers AFC Championship Odds
Chargers: Win AFC Championship (+1300)
The Chargers have the eighth-best odds of winning the AFC in 2023.
However, at full strength, Los Angeles has displayed a capacity to compete with other top-tier teams in the conference.
And while Herbert’s first career playoff game didn’t end well, that experience in Jacksonville should be a major motivating factor for the franchise moving forward.
Chargers AFC West Winner Odds
Chargers: Win AFC West (+340)
In the preseason AFC West odds, the Chargers (+340) sit second behind the Chiefs (-165), who have won the division seven straight years.
While dethroning Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid will be difficult, Los Angeles is the best-positioned team to accomplish that feat.
Plus, the Chargers have been truly competitive with the Chiefs in the Justin Herbert era. Herbert has a 2-4 head-to-head record against Kansas City, but Los Angeles lost three of those games by a field goal, with two coming in overtime.
While I would prefer to take a shot on their potential in the single-elimination playoffs, a bet on the Chargers to win the AFC West could finally pay dividends in 2023.
Chargers Make Playoffs Odds
Chargers: Make Playoffs (+100)
After reaching the postseason in 2022, the Chargers seem well-positioned for a return in 2023.
The team boasts a strong roster, a talented quarterback, and the potential for an elite defense if its key players can stay healthy.
With even odds of making the NFL playoffs, Los Angeles offers good value in a loaded conference.
Chargers Regular-Season Win Total Odds
Chargers: Over 9.5 Wins (-110)
The Chargers’ win total is set at 9.5 games, with the odds evenly split between the Over and the Under.
After winning double-digit games last year and making some positive changes in the offseason, the Over is an enticing bet.
Los Angeles’ schedule isn’t forgiving, with games against the AFC East and NFC North, but the former gives the Chargers the opportunity to earn head-to-head tiebreakers over other playoff contenders in the Jets and Dolphins.