The Los Angeles Chargers vs Jacksonville Jaguars game looks like one of the most competitive of Wild Card Weekend.
Despite the fact the Jaguars rolled to a 38-10 win at SoFi Stadium in Week 3, the Chargers are a narrow favorite for the playoff game at TIAA Field.
With a game this close, picking a winner is tricky, but that’s where prop betting can be perfect. Simply wager on outcomes that don’t pertain to the final score.
Here’s a look at some of my favorite prop bets for Los Angeles vs Jacksonville.
Before reading Pat Pickens’ picks, toggle with the widget below for our full list of NFL Wild Card Weekend player props:
Chargers vs Jaguars Player Props
Trevor Lawrence: Over 0.5 Interceptions (-115) at Caesars Sportsbook
Wager: 1 Unit
Lawrence only had eight picks all season, but two came in Jacksonville’s final four games. Plus, the Chargers had 14 interceptions on defense, tied for the 12th-most in football, led by Bryce Callahan‘s three.
Interceptions tend to rack up in playoff games since trailing quarterbacks typically get forced into mistakes, especially in the second half. I think the Chargers are going to harass Lawrence and force him into at least one bad decision.
Austin Ekeler: Over 36.5 Receiving Yards (-115) at Caesars Sportsbook
Wager: 1 Unit
Ekeler surpassed 37 receiving yards in 10 of LA’s 17 games but just one of the past four. But most of Ekeler’s receiving stat pile-up came while receiver Mike Williams was banged up, and Williams is battling a back injury again and may not be 100 percent Saturday.
More Chargers vs Jaguars Wild Card betting plays
- Read our Chargers vs Jaguars predictions.
- Build a chance at a big winner with our Chargers vs Jaguars parlays.
That should open the door for Keenan Allen, Josh Palmer and Ekeler, who had 48 receiving yards in the first meeting between these teams, to be the outlets for Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.
The number isn’t particularly high, though, and given Ekeler’s propensity to take a screen pass and break it, it is worth betting.
Chargers vs Jaguars Prop Bets
Jaguars: Under 23.5 Points (-105) at Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
If you read my Chargers vs Jaguars prediction, you know I think this is going to be a low-scoring game. The Jaguars are only averaging about 24 points per game and have not scored more than 20 points in two of their past three games, despite winning each of those.
Plus, with a slew of first-time playoff performers, including quarterback Trevor Lawrence, nerves should be high for Jacksonville even though Lawrence was a national champion at Clemson.
Plus, the Chargers’ defense is giving up fewer than 23 points per game, and talents like Derwin James, Joey Bosa, and Khalil Mack should make life difficult on Lawrence and the Jaguars’ offense.
Under 23.5 1H Points (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
There is a possibility of one team leading 17-7 at halftime, which would doom the whole pick, but given there should be a feeling-out process given the stakes and number of players participating in their first postseason games.
That lends itself to safe plays and a high volume of punts. Plus, the defensive talents on both sides, James, Bosa, Mack, and others, plus the Jaguars sack leader Josh Allen and linebackers Foyesade Oluokun and Devin Lloyd will be harassing Herbert, as well.
There were exactly 23 points in the first half of the teams’ first meeting before Jacksonville broke open a 22-3 second-half run. Look for a close 7-7 or 10-10 type score Saturday.
