Week 11 Chargers vs Packers: Another setback, another short climb to .500

Brandon Staley’s Chargers aim to stay alive in the playoff race by beating Green Bay

It hasn’t been the easiest week, Bolts From the Blue.

The Chargers had a big test and opportunity in Week 10 against the Lions, and while the offense rose to the occasion, the defense left much to be desired. The Chargers have shifted their focus to a Green Bay Packers team that has significantly struggled in the first season of the post-Aaron Rodgers era.

Although Green Bay has slipped to a 3-6 record, the Chargers will have their own hurdles to overcome in this game before even considering the matchups. The team is already without two key targets in Mike Williams and Joshua Palmer, but the razor-thin tight end room is getting smaller with Gerald Everett confirmed to be “out.”

The ultimate gut-punch to this team would be losing Keenan Allen in the midst of an incredible season. Allen went down with a shoulder injury against the Lions, and bounced on and off the field while trying to play through the injury. The diagnosis of an AC joint sprain is certainly better than a collarbone break, but Allen will be dealing with some major pain management for weeks to come.

The Chargers seem to be preparing for the worst, as they’ve elevated Terrell Bynum and Alex Erickson to the active roster.

This does not mean Keenan Allen won’t play on Sunday; Allen has expressed throughout the week that he plans to play. What’s more likely is the Chargers expect a reduced workload for Allen. We may see Keenan rotated in for high-leverage situations, or him simply needing to come off the field occasionally for pain management.

The elevation of two receivers to the gameday roster could also indicate concern over Jalen Guyton’s availability. Behind Guyton and Allen are an array of receivers that Justin Herbert has only shared one offseason with, so the availability of these two targets is crucial to the offense’s success.

The Packers have their own share of injuries. David Bakhtiari is on the IR again, and rumors are circling of a potential retirement announcement. Rashan Gary injured his shoulder in practice yesterday and is carrying a “questionable” tag along with Quay Walker and Jaire Alexander. Safety Rudy Ford is listed as “doubtful” as he continues to recover from a calf injury he soldiered through last week.

DraftKings Sportsbook favors the Chargers by three points, with an over/under of 44 points. At the bottom of this stream, you’ll find articles to our updates throughout the week that can help you get an edge in your betting. Personally, I’m very nervous about the Chargers offense with the injuries mounting up – taking the Packers in an upset doesn’t seem too crazy.