The Jim Harbaugh era in Los Angeles kicks off in earnest when the Chargers welcome their AFC West rivals, the Las Vegas Raiders, to SoFi Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 8.
It is somewhat fitting that Harbaugh’s first regular-season game in charge of the Bolts comes against the Raiders, who put the final nail in former HC Brandon Staley’s coffin with a memorable 63-21 victory on Thursday Night Football last December.
Staley and GM Tom Telesco, who just so happens to be the new GM in Las Vegas, were dismissed a day later.
After busy offseasons, both of these squads look quite different from the teams that took the field at Allegiant Stadium that night, so let’s dig into this Raiders vs Chargers matchup and make some best bets for this Week 1 showdown.
Raiders vs Chargers Odds
NFL odds are current as of Thursday, Sept. 5, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Raiders (+130) vs Chargers (-155)
- Spread: Raiders +3 (-110) vs Chargers -3 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 40 (-112) / Under 40 (-108)
Raiders vs Chargers Prediction
Raiders 17, Chargers 14
This game should be low-scoring and could go either way.
However, there are more unknowns on the Chargers’ side going into Week 1, so I’m backing Antonio Pierce to spoil Harbaugh’s party.
As the team’s interim head coach, Pierce led Las Vegas to a 5-4 finish, which was ultimately enough to earn the full-time job. The former linebacker worked wonders with the defense, as the unit allowed just 16 points per game during his tenure, the fewest in the NFL.
On offense, Gardner Minshew will take over at quarterback for backup Aiden O’Connell, while Zamir White and Alexander Mattison will share backfield work after Josh Jacobs’ departure.
Still, with Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers on the outside, the Raiders have more offensive threat than the Chargers, who saw the long-prolific trio of Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, and Mike Williams swap teams this offseason.
Unless LA’s retooled offensive line imposes its will and creates creases for former Ravens running backs, Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins, it could be a long day at the office for Harbaugh’s new offense.
Sportsbook Play of the Day
Raiders vs Chargers Best Bets
Under 40 Points (-108)
If we know anything about Harbaugh, it’s that his offenses lean heavily on the run. His 49ers teams ranked among the NFL’s bottom four in pass attempts each of his four seasons as head coach, and his Michigan teams shared a similar philosophy.
That run-first mindset isn’t likely to change in LA, and with a similarly minded coach in Pierce on the other side, this game sets up to be an old-fashioned, physical slugfest.
Week 1 Unders (23-9) have been very profitable the last two seasons, and this situation feels like a perfect spot to back another as one my best football bets today.
Raiders +3 (-110)
Pierce was 5-4 straight up and 7-1-1 against the spread in nine games as the interim head coach last season.
While I trust Harbaugh to turn the Chargers around over the long term, there could be some early-season growing pains.
Take the points with the Raiders on the road.
