Odds shift toward Jacksonville Jaguars due to Chargers QB Justin Herbert’s injury

The Los Angeles Chargers fell from a 7-point favorite to -3 on the NFL Week 3 odds board after quarterback Justin Herbert was officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Herbert’s rib injury

In a game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday, their defensive end Mike Danna hit Herbert in the fourth quarter, leaving Herbert writhing in pain on the ground after the incident.

Herbert left the field for a while but returned and performed a last-ditch touchdown drive. The medical staff has been keeping an eye on Herbert’s health all week. Hebert participated in a small capacity at Wednesday’s and Thursday’s practice.

On Friday, Herbert answered questions about his rib injury and recovery from reporters. During the interview, Herbert said that he felt good during Thursday’s practice and that he would have plenty of rest before getting ready for the game on Sunday.

“There have definitely been improvements,” Herbert said. “Thankfully, we have a couple days left before we play. We don’t play today, and so that’s up to us, our team, to make the best decision so that we are ready to go on Sunday.”

According to TSN, Herbert will wear a rib protector and possibly receive an injection to dull the pain. The Chargers’ head coach asserted that Chase Daniel would step in for Herbert if he is unable to play.

“He’s tough. He doesn’t feel great, by any means, but he was able to go out there and throw the football,” Staley said.

Herbert is also uncertain if he can play on Sunday, saying there are a few days left to decide.

“We don’t play today, and so we play on Sunday,” Herbert said. “Whatever the plan is, I know our team is going to be prepared and do everything we can. That decision will be made on Sunday. Haven’t ruled anything out.”

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Shifting odds

Veteran oddsmaker Rex Beyers predicted the odds change in a Thursday morning FOX Sports report.

“The line and total won’t close anywhere near where they are now, 7 and 47.5,” Beyers said. “The spread will be 3 points higher or 3 points lower, maybe 4, depending on if Herbert plays.”

On Friday afternoon, before the official announcement regarding Herbert’s status, the Chargers had gone from being a 7-point favorite to a -3 favorite within 45 minutes.

“We got ahead of the move and the (questionable) tag,” oddsmaker at The SuperBook Neil Fitzroy said. “We took a Jags bet at +4 from a respected player. We’re currently at Chargers -3 (-120). He hasn’t been ruled out yet. But if he is, (the line) should go down another point or so.”

In less than six minutes, WynnBet’s odds on the Chargers fell from -7 to -6 and then to -5. Half an hour passed before the odds dropped again to -3.5 and finally stopped at -3. (-120). The total also fell sharply from 47 to 46 before steadily declining to the present value of 42.5 at WynnBet.

“It looks like Herbert isn’t going to go, so we moved accordingly,” WynnBet trader Andy Morrissey said. “The total crashed Under as well.”

Bookmakers still maintained their Super Bowl odds for the Chargers, assuming that Herbert’s injury is minimal and will not keep him out for more than one week. BetMGM’s odds on the Chargers remain at +1600.

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At BetMGM, Herbert’s NFL MVP odds have decreased during the past week. After Week 1, Herbert sat in third place (+750), only behind Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes, but he has now dropped to the fifth choice at +1400.