Cincinnati at Los Angeles

We banked on San Diego last week, taking them as an underdog vs. Dallas. I said last week that line was just off as San Diego was the better team getting a field goal. Well, after that big win (their eighth in a row), there is no shortage of believers. But, after eight straight wins, the last one a big one, the talking heads on TV now have San Diego challenging for the Super Bowl. They hype is at its peak and the value on San Diego is gone. I am well aware of San Diego's good record in December as they have won 15 straight December games. But that's even more reason to get off this train now. All a streak like that does is pump up the line on the underdog, because the oddsmakers are well aware of public tendencies. It is no surprise that even at the high price, the public loves the Chargers. The Bengals got hammered last week by the Vikings. They had just two drives of over 20 yards. They were exposed, right? Well, I think the Bengals are much better than that and simply had an off day. Not that they would beat Minnesota if they played them again, but they would certainly put up a much better fight. You can bet that they will be playing with a chip on their shoulder here to prove to everyone last week was a fluke. The Bengals have a great defense, allowing fewer points than anyone in the league except the Jets. So, don't expect it to be easy for San Diego to run away from them here. The Bengals are in the role they love as they are 8-1 ATS in their last nine posted as a dog. With something to prove here, they are a dangerous team here getting a boost in the line with swelling support for the Chargers. Cincinnati scratches and claws here, leaving it all on the field. I'm riding the Bengals in this one.