Chargers vs. Raiders Betting Odds, Picks, and Predictions for Week 2
This early-season AFC West clash features two teams that enjoyed successful openers. The Chargers got the higher-profile victory of the two teams by knocking off the defending AFC champion Chiefs in Brazil, but the Raiders looked good in the team debuts of the one-time Seahawks duo of Pete Carroll and Geno Smith.
With a strong possibility of a highly competitive game, we break down odds and best bets.
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Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders Betting Odds
*Best lines at time of writing listed
Moneyline: Chargers -174 (FanDuel)/ Raiders +160 (ESPN Bet)
Point spread: Chargers -3 (FanDuel)/ Raiders +3.5 (BetMGM)
Totals: Over 46.5 points (ESPN Bet)/ Under 46.5 points (DraftKings)
The spread here has been relatively steady, unsurprising given Brock Bowers seems to be firmly on track to play and there are no other truly major injuries to either team. The Raiders have bounced between 3- and 3.5-point underdogs for the last week-plus.
In contrast, the total started on a pretty consistent upward trajectory, going from 44.5 early on all the way to as high as 47.5 earlier in the week. The number has since been bet down a point, with both teams expected to have a fair amount of offensive success.
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Chargers vs. Raiders Betting Picks This Week
As already alluded to, the Chargers made quite the statement to open the new season by upending the Chiefs, albeit on a neutral site. Nevertheless, Los Angeles managed a successful first step toward taking what was already a surprise playoff team a year ago to another level, as the Chargers' 27-21 victory featured a "throwback" version of Justin Herbert that compiled 318 passing yards and three touchdowns, along with 32 rushing yards.
It could be an early sign that head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman are ready to let Herbert have much freer reign in his second year in the latter's offensive scheme. The addition of old/new Charger Keenan Allen appears to have been a highly prudent one after one week, as the wily veteran contributed a 7-68-1 line on 10 targets. Allen gave Herbert that key third weapon he didn't consistently have last season and complemented the efforts of top two receivers Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston, who generated a combined 11-153-2 line. Tight end Tyler Conklin, another new addition, also got off on the right foot with two catches for 50 yards, and he and Will Dissly give Herbert two other sure-handed, reliable weapons.
The Raiders' 20-13 win over the Patriots on the road may not have been quite as noteworthy, but Smith's 362 passing yards in his first game in a Vegas uniform certainly offered early validation of Carroll's decision to push for him as his starting quarterback. The Smith-Jakobi Meyers connection is already in fine form, and Brock Bowers and his new quarterback were also clicking to the tune of 103 yards and a touchdown for the star tight end until Bowers exited the game with a knee injury in the second half.
Bowers insisted the injury was nothing serious after the game, and after reportedly turning in a "terrific" practice Saturday in Carroll's words, it appears he'll be ready to suit up Monday night. If that comes to pass, Smith figures to have enough to go to battle with and keep pace with Herbert and the Chargers for a significant portion of the game, especially when also factoring in rookie first-round pick Ashton Jeanty and his ability to contribute as both runner and receiver.
This should ultimately be a very close game that has a chance to exceed that total that has edged down by a point. As such, I'm going with the Chargers squeaking out a close road win but Vegas managing to slide in under the spread, with a secondary bet on the Over.
Team vs Team Best Bets:
- Raiders +3.5 (-115 on BetMGM Sportsbook)
- Over 46.5 points (-104 on FanDuel Sportsbook)
Chargers vs. Raiders Prediction
Chargers 27, Raiders 24
The Raiders are going to be competitive bunch under Carroll and have some rock-solid offensive talent with their two most recent first-round picks. However, the Chargers defense is legit, and Herbert is already clicking after one week and appears ready to be unleashed this season. As such, I see the Bolts having enough on both sides of the ball in this spot to pull off a hard-fought road win.
