Don't overthink this game. The Chargers are at least two levels higher than the Lions. They were the best road spread team last season, too. The Chargers are 5-0 SU and 4-0-1 ATS as road chalk the last two years since Anthony Lynn became head coach. Los Angeles has covered seven of its past eight road games. 

Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson have proven more than capable of replacing holdout Melvin Gordon. The Chargers averaged six yards per rush opening week. I would take Philip Rivers over Matthew Stafford, too. 

Those downgrading the Chargers here point out LA will be without its best offensive lineman with left tackle Russell Okung out. But Detroit offensive left tackle Taylor Decker, who protects Stafford's blind side, gave up two sacks last week and is dealing with a back injury. Joey Bosa gives the Chargers the best pass rusher on the field. 

The Chargers are one of the few complete teams in the NFL without any discernible weakness. The Lions have many warts, including a vulnerable secondary, bad head coach and a horrendous 4-12 ATS record when meeting above .500 opponents.