MNF: Eagles-Chargers preview, props, prediction

Chargers vs. Eagles: Monday Night Football Preview. Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is set to start just seven days after undergoing hand surgery as the Chargers host the Philadelphia Eagles in a crucial Week 14 Monday Night Football matchup.

Both teams enter the game at 8-4. The Eagles lead the NFC East but a loss could drop them two games behind a potential first-round bye in the playoffs. The Chargers sit in the sixth spot in the AFC, somewhat comfortable in the postseason picture, but a win could pull them even with 9-4 Buffalo.

Odds and Trends

Philadelphia, traveling cross-country on a two-game losing streak, was a 2.5-point favorite as of Monday evening. BetRivers trimmed the line to 2.0, with 71% of spread-line bets favoring the Eagles. The moneyline of -141 has drawn 79% of the wagered money.

The total points line is set at 41.5, with the Over receiving 65% of the money and 72% of total bets. Notably, seven of the Chargers’ last eight Monday Night Football games have gone under the total points line.

Player Props

Eagles QB Jalen Hurts Anytime TD (+100, BetRivers): Hurts has scored at least one touchdown in each of his past five road games against AFC teams. Despite not scoring in Philadelphia's loss to Chicago, he rushed for three touchdowns in the previous two games.

Chargers WR Ladd McConkey 50+ Receiving Yards (-131, DraftKings): McConkey has reached 50 receiving yards in six games this season but averaged just 26 yards over his last two contests. Alternate options include 60+ yards (+121) and 70+ yards (+189).

Inside Edge

Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston has 10 first-read targets inside the red zone, tied for sixth-most among NFL receivers this season. Eagles QB Jalen Hurts has completed only 65.9% of his passes with motion this season, the ninth-lowest among qualified quarterbacks.

Key Stat

Philadelphia has been outscored 84-56 in the fourth quarter this season. Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said, "Some of these answers, when you are trying to fix things, aren't clear. I never feel like when we've had a lead we've been conservative. We're on a two-game losing streak, and it's about getting back to that confidence and consistency."

Sirianni confirmed associate head coach Kevin Patullo will remain the offensive play-caller. Patullo’s New Jersey home was reportedly pelted with eggs following Philadelphia’s loss to the Bears.

Injury Report

Herbert is expected to play despite a fracture in his left, non-throwing hand. He underwent surgery Monday, receiving a plate and screws, and participated in limited practices Thursday through Saturday. Herbert has passed for 2,842 yards and 21 touchdowns this season. Trey Lance would take over if Herbert cannot continue.

Rookie running back Omarion Hampton is expected to return after missing seven games with a left ankle fracture. Chargers tight end Tucker Fisk (ankle) is out, while Hassan Haskins (hamstring) and Otito Ogbonnia (elbow) are questionable.

The Eagles will be without star defensive tackle Jalen Carter. Pro Bowl offensive tackle Lane Johnson (foot) is out, while safety Marcus Epps (shoulder) and offensive tackle Myles Hinton (back) are questionable. Outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips (concussion) practiced fully Saturday.

They Said It

"We've got a lot of opportunity in front of us. It takes a tight-knit group and collective effort. There are many things we can improve on, but we need to be consistent and get everyone on the same page," said Hurts.

Prediction

Both teams entered the season as top-end contenders but face challenges entering the stretch run. Philadelphia’s defense poses a threat to a Chargers offense relying on injured starters, while the Eagles’ injury-plagued offensive line faces a strong Los Angeles front seven. Red zone efficiency and turnovers are likely to decide the outcome.

Eagles 26, Chargers 23 -Field Level Media/Reuters Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images