Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 9/8/2024 4:05 PM EST
We have your Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Las Vegas Raiders hit the road to face the Los Angeles Chargers.
Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers Odds Info
Best Moneyline Odds: Las Vegas Raiders +135 (BetMGM) / Los Angeles Chargers -160 (BetMGM)
Best Spread Odds: -3.0 - Las Vegas Raiders -105 (ESPN BET) / Los Angeles Chargers -115 (ESPN BET)
Best Total Odds: 40.5 - Under -105 (FanDuel) / Over -108 (DraftKings)
Game Info
Date: 9/8/2024
Time: 4:05 PM EST
Location: SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA)
TV: CBS
Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis
Over the past two seasons, the Las Vegas Raiders and the Los Angeles Chargers have faced off four times, with each team securing two victories. Notably, all four games were won by the home team, indicating a strong home-field advantage in this matchup. The Raiders and Chargers have each covered the spread twice in these encounters, demonstrating a competitive balance between the two teams. In terms of scoring, the games have predominantly leaned towards the under, with three of the four matchups falling below the over-under line, and only one game surpassing it. This suggests that while the games have been competitive, they have not been particularly high-scoring affairs overall.
The most recent game between these two teams took place on December 14, 2023, with the Las Vegas Raiders dominating the Los Angeles Chargers in a decisive 63-21 victory. The Raiders, playing at home, were the favorites with a closing spread of -3.0 and comfortably covered the spread with a 42-point margin. The game saw the Raiders' quarterback, Aidan O'Connell, throw for four touchdowns without any interceptions, contributing significantly to the team's offensive success. The Raiders capitalized on the Chargers' mistakes, forcing five turnovers, including four fumbles and one interception. The Chargers struggled to keep up, managing only 21 points, with their quarterback Easton Stick throwing three touchdowns but also committing two turnovers. The total score of 84 points far exceeded the closing over-under of 36.5, marking the only game in the past four matchups to go over.
In the December 2023 game, the Raiders showcased a balanced offensive attack, accumulating 378 total yards, with 260 passing yards and 124 rushing yards. They scored seven total touchdowns, including two defensive scores from a fumble return and an interception return. The Chargers, despite gaining 326 total yards, were hampered by their turnovers and managed only three touchdowns. The Raiders' defense was effective, recording three sacks and recovering four fumbles. Penalties were relatively low for both teams, with the Chargers committing six for 65 yards and the Raiders four for 30 yards. This game highlighted the Raiders' ability to capitalize on turnovers and maintain a strong defensive presence, which could be a key factor in their upcoming matchup.
Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers Preview
The Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers are set to clash in a highly anticipated Week 1 matchup at SoFi Stadium, marking the beginning of the 2024 NFL season for both teams. This AFC West showdown promises to be a compelling contest, with both teams eager to start the season on a positive note. The Chargers, under the new leadership of head coach Jim Harbaugh, are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2023 campaign. With Justin Herbert returning as the starting quarterback, the Chargers have bolstered their roster with key additions like Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt and Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey, aiming to improve their offensive output from last season.
On the other side, the Raiders have also made significant changes, bringing in Gardner Minshew as their starting quarterback and drafting Georgia tight end Brock Bowers to enhance their offensive capabilities. Despite finishing second in the AFC West last year, the Raiders struggled offensively and are hoping these new additions will provide the spark needed to compete at a higher level. The Raiders' defense, which allowed the ninth-fewest points per game in 2023, will be crucial in containing Herbert and the Chargers' offense.
Historically, the Raiders and Chargers have been evenly matched, with each team winning two of their last four encounters. The home team has consistently held the advantage in these matchups, a trend the Chargers will hope to continue. However, the Raiders' dominant 63-21 victory in their last meeting in December 2023, where they capitalized on the Chargers' turnovers, serves as a reminder of their potential to disrupt the Chargers' plans. As both teams take the field, the focus will be on how well the Chargers' revamped offense can perform against a Raiders team that has shown resilience and opportunism in past encounters.
Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers Pick: Total Points Over
As the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers prepare to face off in their Week 1 matchup, the potential for a high-scoring affair is evident. The most recent encounter between these two teams in December 2023 resulted in a staggering 63-21 victory for the Raiders, with the total score of 84 points far exceeding the closing over-under line of 36.5. This game highlighted the offensive capabilities of both teams, particularly the Raiders, who capitalized on the Chargers' turnovers to score seven touchdowns, including two defensive scores. The Chargers, despite their struggles, managed to put up 21 points, showcasing their ability to find the end zone even in challenging circumstances.
Looking ahead to the upcoming game, both teams have made significant roster changes aimed at bolstering their offensive output. The Chargers, under the new leadership of head coach Jim Harbaugh, have added key players like Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt and Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey to support quarterback Justin Herbert. Herbert, who has shown resilience and elite performance despite injuries, is expected to lead a more dynamic and improved offense compared to last season. On the other hand, the Raiders have brought in Gardner Minshew as their starting quarterback and drafted Georgia tight end Brock Bowers, both of whom are expected to enhance the team's offensive capabilities.
Historically, the matchups between the Raiders and Chargers have been competitive, with each team winning two of their last four encounters. However, the trend of games leaning towards the under in terms of scoring may not hold this time, given the offensive upgrades both teams have made. The Chargers' urgency to improve from their disappointing 2023 campaign and the Raiders' demonstrated ability to exploit turnovers suggest that this game could see a flurry of points. With both teams eager to start the season on a high note and the potential for explosive plays on both sides, betting on the total points to go over appears to be a promising pick.
Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers Top Player Prop Picks
Justin Herbert Over 1.5 Passing TDs +110 (DraftKings)
Justin Herbert's return to the field is highly anticipated, especially under the new leadership of head coach Jim Harbaugh. Despite dealing with injuries in the offseason, Herbert has been reported to look fantastic in recent weeks, suggesting he is ready to lead the Chargers' offense with vigor. The Chargers have made significant roster improvements, including the addition of wide receiver Ladd McConkey, which should bolster Herbert's passing options. Given Herbert's proven ability to perform at an elite level, even when facing adversity, betting on him to throw over 1.5 passing touchdowns at +110 odds seems like a promising opportunity. The Raiders' defense, while strong, will have to contend with Herbert's dynamic playmaking abilities, making this prop an attractive pick.
Gardner Minshew Over 0.5 Interceptions -110 (BetMGM)
Gardner Minshew steps into the starting quarterback role for the Raiders, bringing with him a reputation for being a gunslinger. While Minshew is expected to enhance the Raiders' offensive capabilities, his aggressive style of play can lead to turnovers. The Chargers' defense, which has been reconstructed in the offseason, will be eager to capitalize on any mistakes. Historically, the Raiders have struggled with turnovers in their matchups against the Chargers, and Minshew's tendency to take risks could play into this narrative. With the Chargers' defense looking to make a statement in their season opener, the odds of Minshew throwing at least one interception are favorable.
Davante Adams Over 6.5 Receptions +126 (Caesars)
Davante Adams remains a key offensive weapon for the Raiders, and his ability to make big plays is well-documented. With Gardner Minshew at the helm, Adams is likely to be a primary target, especially in a game where the Raiders will need to keep pace with the Chargers' potent offense. The odds of +126 for Adams to have over 6.5 receptions are enticing, considering his role as a go-to receiver. In a matchup that could see a high volume of passing, Adams' skill in creating separation and making contested catches makes this prop a strong pick. The Chargers' defense will have their hands full trying to contain him, which could lead to a busy day for Adams in terms of targets and receptions.
