Issues are beginning to mount for the Las Vegas Raiders. Coming off a 23-18 loss to Pittsburgh on Sunday night, the Raiders now turn their attention to the Los Angeles Chargers. As they prepare to take on their AFC West rival, the Raiders may be without an important part of their offense in Jimmy Garoppolo. Can they overcome his potential absence?
The Chargers are looking to get to .500 after outlasting Minnesota 28-24.
Let’s break down the matchup and some of our best bets.
Raiders vs Chargers Odds
NFL odds used for this Las Vegas vs Los Angeles preview were found at DraftKings Sportsbook and are current as of Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 12:30 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Chargers (-250) • Raiders (+205)
- Spread: Chargers -6 (-112) • Raiders +6 (-108)
- Total Points: Over 47.5 (-112) • Under 47.5 (-108)
- Implied Score: Chargers 26.75, Raiders 20.75
Raiders vs Chargers Predictions
Score Pick: Chargers 29, Raiders 20
The Chargers have moved the ball well, even with a ground game that’s been practically non-existent without Austin Ekeler. That’s a credit to Justin Herbert, who continues to perform like one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks. Herbert completed 40 of 47 passes for 405 yards and three touchdowns in Sunday’s 28-24 comeback over the Vikings.
Losing Mike Williams for the season (torn ACL) is a massive blow to the Chargers’ passing game, but Ekeler’s return isn’t far off. While Ekeler reportedly hopes to return Sunday, Los Angeles may err on the side of caution and give him more time to rest his sprained ankle with a bye looming in Week 5.
Regardless, the Chargers should have enough offensive firepower to outlast the Raiders, who are scuffling after back-to-back losses. With Jimmy Garoppolo currently in concussion protocol, Las Vegas
may need to turn to rookie fourth-rounder Aidan O’Connell to start at quarterback. That’ll be a tough assignment, no matter how you slice it.
Raiders vs Los Angeles Best Bets & Props
Chargers -6 (-112)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER:1 unit
The Raiders are in a difficult spot here. Given his familiarity with Josh McDaniels, Garoppolo was supposed to elevate Las Vegas’ offense. Instead, the unit is a mess. Garoppolo leads the league with six interceptions.
To make matters worse, Garoppolo is now dealing with a concussion. The Raiders also have O’Connell and veteran Brian Hoyer on their roster. But given the uncertainty with Garoppolo’s status, it’s hard to trust them in this spot. Thus, I’m taking the Chargers to cover as my NFL bet of the day.
Raiders Under 20.5 (-115)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
Even with Davante Adams going off — the six-time Pro Bowler had 13 catches for 172 yards and two touchdowns Sunday — Las Vegas’ offense has underperformed. The Raiders haven’t scored more than 18 points in three games, and their only win came against the 0-3 Broncos.
With Garoppolo now hurt, the Raiders’ problems keep mounting.
Over 47.5 (-112)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
Williams’ absence will be felt, but the Chargers still have capable playmakers in Keenan Allen and Quentin Johnston, the No. 21 pick in April’s draft. Plus, in his brief time in the league, Herbert has shown an ability to elevate those around him.
The Chargers have scored at least 24 points in each of their first three games, and now they get a Las Vegas defense that’s been mediocre at best. I like them to do enough to help push this total above the Over.
Raiders vs Chargers Same Game Parlay
Raiders vs Chargers SGP (+435)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
- Chargers -6 (-112)
- Under 51.5 (-181)
- Chargers Over 27.5 (+105)
Divisional matchups can be tricky, but Los Angeles feels like a safe play. The Raiders have been shaky on both sides of the ball and now have concerns at quarterback.
There’s good value here in the Chargers, whose offense remains among the most dangerous in the NFL. Getting them at plus odds to score 27.5 points or more is incredibly appealing. The Chargers certainly aren’t afraid to air it out, as Herbert ranks third in passing yards and tied for fourth in attempts.
If you’re skeptical of this turning into a shootout, which I am, you can hedge and take Under 51.5 combined points.
