NFL odds: How to bet Patriots vs. Chargers, point spread, more

The New England Patriots will fly across the country to face the Los Angeles Chargers in a battle of top young quarterbacks.

Here's everything you need to know about the NFL odds on Sunday's matchup between the Patriots and Chargers — the point spread, moneyline and total over/under (with all NFL odds via FOX Bet).

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS @ LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (4:05 p.m. ET Thursday, CBS)

Point spread: Chargers -4 (Chargers favored to win by 4 or more points, otherwise Patriots cover)
Moneyline: Chargers -213 favorites to win (bet $10 to win $14.69 total); Patriots +175 underdogs to win (bet $10 to win $27.50 total)
Total scoring over/under: 49.5 points scored by both teams combined

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, the No. 6 pick in the 2020 draft, became the fourth rookie QB to throw for more than 4,000 yards. Herbert was named Rookie of the Year and Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Leading the Patriots' offense is quarterback Mac Jones. Jones was drafted 15th overall out of Alabama and beat out veteran starter Cam Newton, who was released during final roster cuts. The former Crimson Tide QB was 29-for-39 passing for 281 yards, setting a record for rookies at that position in their NFL debut for highest completion percentage (74.4 percent).

These talented young players have a couple of things in common as they begin their NFL careers.

Jones became the fourth rookie to throw for at least 225 yards and a touchdown in five consecutive games. The others on the list are Dak Prescott (2016), Deshaun Watson (2017), and Herbert (2020).

Jones has completed 174 passes this season, becoming the third rookie to complete at least 170 passes in his first seven starts, joining Joe Burrow (195), and Herbert (181).

Stats and Trends

The Patriots have won six straight against the Chargers and are 9-1 in their past 10 games against them.

The Patriots rank sixth in scoring defense, allowing 20.0 points per game.

New England's Nick Folk is leading the NFL in field goals made with 16.

Jones threw for a career-high 307 yards Sunday in the 54-13 win over the Jets.

The Chargers rank 32nd in rushing defense, allowing 162.5 yards per game. LA has allowed an average of 208.5 rushing yards per game over the past two games.

The Chargers allowed 18.5 points per game through four games; they have allowed 38.0 PPG in their past two contests.

So which team is the better bet? For that, we check in with FOX Sports analyst Jason McIntyre.

Pick via FOX Sports' Jason McIntyre: "LA's defense got healthier out of the bye week, with two key starters likely to return — safety Nasir Adderley and linebacker Drue Tranquill — to stop the Patriots run game. 

"The latter grades out as the ninth-best linebacker per PFF and missed the bloodbath in Baltimore when the Ravens rushed for 187 yards.

"Chargers roll in this spot. Lay the points."

PICK: Chargers (-4 at FOX Bet) to win by more than 4 points

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