Rivers, Chargers preferred side as 4-point favorites on MNF

It's not always a good thing to lead the league in passing yards, and Philip Rivers is a prime example. Rivers is throwing so often because the San Diego Chargers are constantly in catch-up mode.

The Chargers, losers of six of their past seven games, host the Chicago Bears tonight. Both teams are stripped down by injuries, so the quarterbacks will play a bigger role than usual in the outcome.

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler will take the field without injured running back Matt Forte. Rivers will be without his favorite target, Keenan Allen, who had 67 receptions for 725 yards before getting sidelined for the rest of the season with a lacerated kidney.

"Key injuries on both teams add a mystery element to 'capping this game," said Jim Kruger, handicapper for VegasSportsAuthority.com. "The Chargers will still be missing three starting offensive linemen and have now lost Allen. Both teams have terrible defenses, but the San Diego offense is superior, especially through the air. I lean to the Chargers, but have not put any money on them."

It's risky business backing the Chargers, who have dropped three of their past four Monday Night Football games on their home field, including a 24-20 loss to Pittsburgh on Oct. 12.

Rivers went into Week 9 as the NFL's passing yardage leader with 2,753. He ranks No. 2 today, 10 yards behind New Orleans' Drew Brees.

In prime-time games, Rivers tends to play his best, even with a depleted supporting cast. Cutler is inconsistent and always tough to support.

Las Vegas bookmakers are reporting light two-way action on tonight's game. With the line at 4 and 4½ around town, the recommendation here is a small wager on the Chargers at minus-4.

Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907. Follow him on Twitter: @mattyoumans247