While the Los Angeles Chargers led throughout most of Thursday’s game, the fourth quarter belonged to their opponents, the Kansas City Chiefs. As the game neared its end, it appeared as though the Chiefs would not only win but cover the spread. Then, a hobbled Justin Herbert either came to the rescue or stuck a dagger in your heart, depending on one’s perspective.
Herbert suffered a rib injury late in the fourth quarter. But after missing one play, the Los Angeles quarterback returned to the field down by seven. The Chargers still had to punt, though, and thanks to a big run from Clyde Edwards-Helaire, the Chiefs kicked a field goal to go up 10 points late in the fourth quarter.
Despite the two-score deficit and his injury, Herbert returned to the field. He was clearly not right and, with ample space in front of him, elected to throw the ball away on a third-and-one. Something was obviously wrong. He seemed incapable of doing anything well — until the next play. On fourth down, Herbert threaded a pass to a double-covered DeAndre Carter for not only a completion, but a 35-yard gain.
Justin Herbert — in clear pain — goes from being able to hardly move on one play to throwing an incredible dime on the next. Amazing. 🏈 pic.twitter.com/EDq9AnIyY1
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) September 16, 2022
After two short completions to Austin Ekeler and an incomplete pass, the Chargers faced another fourth down. Again, Herbert came through with a big throw, hitting Joshua Palmer for a seven-yard touchdown.
Justin Herbert later threw a touchdown on the drive. pic.twitter.com/cqooAuBFR6
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) September 16, 2022
The PAT from Dustin Hopkins cut the deficit to 27-24. Hopkins then attempted an onside kick and while the Chiefs initially muffed it, none of the Chargers were close enough to recover. Even with the dogpile for the loose ball, it was clear that Kansas City had recovered. With that, Patrick Mahomes took two knees and the game ended. Los Angeles’ last-minute touchdown didn’t change the result of the game for anyone — unless you bet on it.
There was some variance to the spread but the Chiefs were favored by somewhere between 3.5 and 4.5 points. No matter where the bets were placed, the Chargers pulled off an epic backdoor cover. Of course, that drew a big reaction.
I appreciate the Chargers risking the long-term health of their franchise QB to cover +4.
Team of the people.
— Thomas Casale (@TheTomCasale) September 16, 2022
Justin Herbert really risked his entire NFL future so your Chargers +3.5 bet could hit on the backdoor cover
— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) September 16, 2022
everyone who took the Chiefs to cover pic.twitter.com/SmOMeJGcgD
— PointsBet Sportsbook (@PointsBetUSA) September 16, 2022
What a freaking cover by the Chargers
— Julian Edlow (@julianedlow) September 16, 2022
Heroic backdoor cover, Chargers.
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) September 16, 2022
Chargers bettors looking for the backdoor cover pic.twitter.com/pom1K7lyYS
— John Ewing 🦁 (@johnewing) September 16, 2022
Whew. The under was so much easier than sweating that chargers back door cover.
— Kelly (@kellyinvegas) September 16, 2022
GOOD TEAMS WIN, BUT GREAT TEAM COVER 💰
That $335K Chargers +4.5 bettor probably pic.twitter.com/HbtUIjIrcw
— Pickswise (@Pickswise) September 16, 2022
It’s truly fitting that this game was the first Thursday Night Football game for Amazon Prime, with Al Michaels in the booth.
