by Chuck Sommers
Friday, Sep 09, 2022
Game time: 4:25 p.m. ET
Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
Where to watch: CBS
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Chargers -3.5
FanDuel: Chargers -3.5
BetMGM: Chargers -3.5
Caesars: Chargers -3.5
2021 season record
Raiders: 10-7 (lost AFC Wild Card vs. Bengals)
Chargers: 9-8
A new NFL season is here and what a start we're off to with Buffalo going to the champs' house and knocking them in the mouth. What can we expect when the full slate of games gets rolling on Sunday? Only one way to find out: Get to bigal.com and check out what our champion handicappers are thinking heading into these matchups, and also get the right amount in your pocket for your winnings.
Raiders - Chargers preview, analysis and prediction
The new era in Las Vegas begins, and I can’t think of any better way than to start this crazy year for the AFC West than with a battle between the two teams that are more than likely fighting for playoff spots this year and have a legit claim to the division title.
The Raiders open the Josh McDaniels era Sunday in SoFi Stadium against the Los Angeles Chargers, and this division rivalry has everything you’re looking for to start the year.
For Las Vegas, there’s optimism of the highest order right now. Coming off making the playoffs last year despite all the hoopla that happened, it’s a fresh start with the Raiders now that Derek Carr has former Fresno State teammate Davante Adams to throw the ball to.
The Raiders were taking strides on the offensive side of the ball last year, but then the Henry Ruggs situation happened and everything went to hell in a hand basket. The Raiders acquired Adams, the top receiver in the league the last few years, from Green Bay to put him in an offense with Hunter Renfrow (coming off a 100-catch season) and star tight end Darren Waller, who might reportedly be having his contract situation finding a resolution soon.
But all eyes will be on Carr, fresh off signing a three-year, $121 million extension in April in what could be a make-or-break year for the signal caller. But having his best friend in the fold, who signed a five-year, $140 million contract with Las Vegas after being traded, should help.
“It’s gonna be the first time people see us do it together in the NFL,” Carr said. “But for us, we’ve been doing this for the last 13 years. Whether it was in college, or (training) together in the Bay Area, (and) doing it for months here at the facility. To us, it’s back to normal. But I think for everyone else, the excitement. ... I’m sure I’ll throw him the ball and he’ll get a catch or whatever and everyone will be like, ‘Oh my gosh, here we go.’”
The biggest question mark with the Raiders will be the offensive line. Las Vegas waived former first-round pick Alex Leatherwood after an underwhelming season-plus. So it’s a bunch of guys trying to protect Carr, where all things might go haywire on that front.
It's not just the offense that’s gotten a facelift, with a new coach, new star receiver, etc. The Raiders’ defense made a big splash in signing veteran pass rusher Chandler Jones to replace Yannick Ngakoue. Las Vegas traded him to Indianapolis for corner help, acquiring young DB Rock Ya-Sin.
That pass rush will be tasked with trying to slow down Justin Herbert as he enters his third season. The former first-round quarterback from Oregon came within one win shy of making the playoffs last year. Ironically, of course, it was against the Raiders in the final week of the regular season. He has the talent around him with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, but this is the year the expectations are that L.A. will make the playoffs.
“I know personally, I’ve been thinking about this one for the past six or seven months, however long it’s been. I know that everyone else has as well,” Herbert said. “For everyone to show up during OTAs, I thought that was huge growth for our team. We believe in each other just like the front office believes in us.”
The Raiders and Chargers have not been good spread teams in recent memory. The Raiders might have the edge with a 13-9 mark ATS as an underdog the last three years. The Chargers have only been a 7-6 club ATS as a home favorite the past three years. The Chargers opened as 4-point favorites, but the line has sunk to 3.5 in most books.
Prediction
There are a lot of fun games this week, but don’t be shocked if this ends up being the Game of the Week. The offensive firepower from this, added with two quality pass rushes, is going to make for some good intrigue. I’d normally say the home crowd has an advantage here, but we’ve learned SoFi doesn’t do well with home games. The Raiders will travel well, and that offense will be eager to let it rip. Las Vegas in an upset. Raiders win by 6
Betting trends
Raiders are 7-4 ATS as a road underdog the past three years.
Raiders are 7-5 ATS against division opponents the past three years.
Chargers are 5-2 ATS in the first month of the season in the last three years.
2021 statistical leaders
Raiders
Passing: Derek Carr -- 4,804 yards, 23 TD, 14 INT
Rushing: Josh Jacobs -- 872 yards, 9 TD
Receiving: Hunter Renfrow -- 1,038 yards, 6 TD
Defense: Maxx Crosby -- 8 sacks
Chargers
Passing: Justin Herbert -- 5,014 yards, 38 TD, 15 INT
Rushing: Austin Ekeler -- 911 yards, 12 TD
Receiving: Keenan Allen -- 1,136 yards, 6 TD
Defense: Joey Bosa -- 10.5 sacks
Don't miss our champion handicappers' free picks and expert football picks today. And if you enjoyed this Las Vegas Raiders - Los Angeles Chargers prediction, be sure to drop by every day for our daily NFL projections and previews.
Chuck Sommers
About the Author:
Chuck Sommers has camped outside of sportsbooks since he can remember, learning the tricks and nuances of the trade. He still has nightmares of betting $5,000 on the Raiders in the Tuck Rule game but has since turned that to 25 years of veteran handicapping greatness. You can find him mostly in the shadows at the Red Rock or Aliante casinos wondering if the over is cashing on any given Sunday.
