John Harbaugh takes his talents to Los Angeles as the Chargers look to make a breakthrough in the 2024 NFL season. Harbaugh's arrival brings a new level of experience and leadership to a team that has perpetually fallen short of expectations despite its talent. With a proven winner at the helm, the boys in powder blue are aiming to capitalize and finally take the next step in the playoffs.
Gear up for what could be a defining season with Odds Shark's 2024 Los Angeles Chargers season betting preview. I break down all the betting odds, key matchups, and what to expect from Coach Harbaugh and company below.
2024 Los Angeles Chargers Super Bowl & AFC Odds
Odds as of August 29
While Harbaugh often comes blazing out of the gate at his new coaching jobs, winning enough to upset dominance of the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West or conference will be tough. For that reason this team is a full on fade play for me, and I can't back them in any of these season long betting markets.
The Chargers offense lost a lot of talent this off-season. The departure of both Keenan Allen and Mike Williams opens up a ton of targets that will be likely be gobbled up by young and unproven players this season. Josh Palmer is a nice piece, but former first-round pick Quentin Johnston has been a disappoint thus far. Likewise Ladd McConkey has a ton of potential, but he's apparently already banged up coming out of camp. So who steps up on offense for this team?
As I talked about in our AFC betting preview on the Huddle this week, the Chargers oft-injured defenders' are another year older. Khalil Mack had a renaissance of sorts in 2023, but nearly 25% of his sacks took place in one game! Joey Bosa and Derwin James are almost always hurt, and the Chargers have struggled to stop the run for years.
Coach Harbaugh will have his team playing hard, but Bill Walsh and Bill Belichick together couldn't fix all the holes in this Chargers organization in one off-season.
2024 Los Angeles Chargers Win Total Odds
Odds as of August 29
Herbert's health will be the biggest factor here in the Chargers' win total market. Los Angeles finished 6-11 ATS last season in yet another disappointing year for the boys in powder blue. Remember, the Sheldon High School fishing club president fractured a finger in his left hand early last year, before breaking his right index finger in Week 14.
He's dealing with a plantar fascia issue, but is reportedly ready to play in Week 1. This has to be concerning for Chargers fans and bettors as he was in a walking boot for two weeks in early August. Foot injuries have a tendency to linger, and with so much pressure on Herbert to perform like a superstar, I can't take the OVER here.
Instead, I'm on the Chargers UNDER 7.5 alternate wins at +220 odds. The Chargers defensive line is perilously thin. If Bosa and or Mack get hurt, this team is in big trouble. On top of that, Los Angeles plays the Chiefs twice, and the hardnosed AFC North. Fade them while you still can.
2024 Los Angeles Chargers Playoff Odds
Odds as of August 29
Jim Harbaugh made the playoffs in three of his four seasons in San Francisco, albeit with a ready made roster.
As we've covered, he inherits a Chargers' team that lacks depth, and talent at key positions. For those reasons I'm all the way out on Los Angeles making the playoffs this season. Maybe wait and see if you can snipe a better line on the Chargers to miss the playoffs in early September, as they have winnable games against the Panthers and Steelers to start the campaign.
2024 Los Angeles Chargers NFL MVP Odds
Odds as of August 29
If you believe Justin Herbert can go absolutely nuclear, the Chargers can win at least 12 games and the AFC West, throw some money down on the former Oregon star to win NFL MVP. Any other outcome is a loss in this market. While Harbaugh is undoubtedly a quarterback whisperer, and I can back Herbert to take home at least one NFL MVP award in the future, I don't see 2024 being that year. Too many variables would have to fall perfectly for a franchise that has had the worst of luck in year's past.