Raiders vs Chargers NFL Picks and Predictions
The Las Vegas Raiders travel to Los Angeles as heavy underdogs against the Chargers in a Week 2 matchup that features one of the widest spreads on the board. We break down the odds, matchup numbers, injuries, and betting trends to land on the best Raiders vs Chargers pick. For the rest of the slate, check out our full Week 2 NFL Schedule with odds and predictions for every game.
You can explore all of this matchup data yourself with our sports betting research app, which we used to pull every stat in this breakdown.
Table of Contents
Raiders vs Chargers Odds and Betting Lines
Los Angeles is a heavy home favorite, with the Chargers listed at -9.5 (-106) and the Raiders getting 9.5 points at +9.5 (-110). The moneyline has Las Vegas at a steep +400 and Los Angeles at -395, while the total sits at 42.5, with the over priced at -105 and the under at -110.
A double-digit spread signals a significant talent gap in the eyes of oddsmakers, which shows up clearly in the underlying matchup numbers below.
Raiders vs Chargers Matchup Breakdown
This is about as lopsided a matchup as you'll find in Week 2. Las Vegas ranks 31st in total rush and receiving yards (264.4) against a Chargers defense that ranks 4th in yards allowed (285.4). The Raiders rank 28th in passing yards (167.7) facing a Los Angeles defense that ranks 6th against the pass (182.9 allowed), and dead last at 32nd in rushing yards (78.4) against a Chargers run defense that ranks 10th (108.2 allowed).
Touchdown production is similarly bleak for Las Vegas: the Raiders rank 31st in anytime touchdowns (1.5) against a Chargers defense that ranks 4th in touchdowns allowed (1.8), 24th in passing touchdowns (1.2) against a defense ranked 3rd in passing touchdowns allowed (0.9), and 32nd in rushing touchdowns (0.3) against a Los Angeles defense ranked 14th in rushing touchdowns allowed (0.9).
At quarterback, Los Angeles' Justin Herbert carries a D+ Matchup grade with projections of 194 passing yards, 1.1 touchdowns, and 0.7 interceptions. Las Vegas' Kirk Cousins carries a D- Matchup grade, projected for 189.9 passing yards, 1.3 touchdowns, and 0.6 interceptions.
Raiders vs Chargers Injury Report
Las Vegas' top tight end Brock Bowers (surgery) is doubtful after appearing on the injury report on 9/9, a significant blow given his role in the Raiders' passing game. Fellow Raider Dont'e Thornton (undisclosed) is already ruled out following an 8/31 report. Los Angeles has one notable name on its injury report, with Kimani Mitchell (hamstring) listed as questionable since 9/9.
Raiders vs Chargers Betting Trends
Las Vegas has covered the spread in 47% of its games, while Los Angeles has covered as a favorite in just 28% of its games, a trend worth monitoring given how large this spread is. Straight up, the Raiders have won only 18% of their games and the Chargers have won 61% of theirs.
The total has trended under in both teams' games, with Raiders games going under 53% of the time and Chargers games going under 56% of the time, pointing toward the under as the more attractive total side.
Final Prediction and Pick
With the Chargers grading out favorably across every matchup category and Las Vegas dealing with uncertainty at tight end, Los Angeles looks like the clear side to trust on the moneyline or a reduced spread. Given the low cover rate for Chargers favorites, though, the Raiders getting 9.5 points holds some appeal for spread bettors, and the under looks like the stronger total play given both teams' scoring trends.
For a closer look at Sunday's skill-position volume, be sure to check our Raiders vs Chargers player props breakdown for the best individual player bets in this matchup.