Los Angeles Chargers Large Favorite (-7.5+) Betting Trend

The Chargers' struggles as large favorites stem from their organizational tendency to play down to competition levels, a psychological trap that has plagued the franchise for decades. This team consistently enters games with inflated expectations, leading to complacent preparation and execution when facing supposedly inferior opponents. The Chargers' coaching staff has historically struggled with game management in blowout situations, often becoming conservative too early or failing to maintain the killer instinct needed to cover substantial spreads. Los Angeles possesses the talent to dominate weaker teams, but their mental approach shifts dramatically when installed as heavy favorites. The pressure to perform at an elite level paradoxically causes them to tighten up, resulting in sluggish starts and inconsistent offensive rhythm. Their defense, while capable of shutting down opponents, frequently allows garbage-time scoring that kills spread coverage. The franchise's history of underachievement creates a self-fulfilling prophecy where players and coaches alike seem to expect disappointment in high-leverage situations. This manifests as poor red zone execution and costly turnovers at crucial moments. Bettors should be especially wary of backing the Chargers as large home favorites against divisional opponents, where familiarity breeds contempt and emotional letdowns are most likely to occur.