The second game of the Week 2 Monday Night Football double-header features a west coast battle at 10:00 PM ET on ESPN. SBR's Gary Pearson takes a look at the matchup in his Chargers vs Raiders prediction:
Chargers -3 (-120 FanDuel)
"The Chargers were arguably the most impressive team in Week 1, with almost all facets ticking efficiently. The offense takes most of the plaudits, though, with Justin Herbert - the fifth-most clutch QB - starting his season how we would have envisioned in his best-case scenario dream.
He will face a Las Vegas Raiders defense that was made to look much better than it is by the New England Patriots, not unlike the Washington Commanders when they played the New York Giants.
Although defensive coordinator Patrick Graham's unit only allowed 13 points, they allowed 287 passing yards, with Drake Maye completing 12 passes of at least 10 yards.
Herbert, meanwhile, had his way against a Kansas City Chiefs pass defense that was among the better units last season (fifth in coverage, eighth-best pressure unit). The Chargers aired it out much more than most thought they would. Herbert has also been lights out against the Raiders, tossing 21 touchdowns and just two picks in nine games.
I expect them to return to their bread-and-butter ground-and-pound game, which should even more effectively open up the aerial bombardment.
With the addition of rookie running back Omarion Hampton and wide receiver Keenan Allen, along with Herbert's ability to scramble and make plays with his feet, their dynamic and versatile attack will be too much for the Raiders to cope with.
FanDuel is the only one of the best sports betting apps that still offers the -3 spread. While you'll have to take a cut in the profits, at least you'll receive your stake back if Los Angeles wins by only three."
Ladd McConkey Over 72.5 receiving yards (-110 bet365)
"With more chemistry than Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, Herbert and Ladd McConkey's on-field relationship gets stronger each game.
The second-year receiver has at least 74 receiving yards in eight of the past nine games. That 74-yard output occurred in Week 1 against a Chiefs coverage unit that was ranked fifth last season (PFF).
McConkey had 95 yards on five receptions in Week 18 at Allegiant Stadium."
Chargers vs Raiders Best Odds:
Are the Chargers for real? Share your prediction in this thread.
Chargers -3 (-120 FanDuel)
"The Chargers were arguably the most impressive team in Week 1, with almost all facets ticking efficiently. The offense takes most of the plaudits, though, with Justin Herbert - the fifth-most clutch QB - starting his season how we would have envisioned in his best-case scenario dream.
He will face a Las Vegas Raiders defense that was made to look much better than it is by the New England Patriots, not unlike the Washington Commanders when they played the New York Giants.
Although defensive coordinator Patrick Graham's unit only allowed 13 points, they allowed 287 passing yards, with Drake Maye completing 12 passes of at least 10 yards.
Herbert, meanwhile, had his way against a Kansas City Chiefs pass defense that was among the better units last season (fifth in coverage, eighth-best pressure unit). The Chargers aired it out much more than most thought they would. Herbert has also been lights out against the Raiders, tossing 21 touchdowns and just two picks in nine games.
I expect them to return to their bread-and-butter ground-and-pound game, which should even more effectively open up the aerial bombardment.
With the addition of rookie running back Omarion Hampton and wide receiver Keenan Allen, along with Herbert's ability to scramble and make plays with his feet, their dynamic and versatile attack will be too much for the Raiders to cope with.
FanDuel is the only one of the best sports betting apps that still offers the -3 spread. While you'll have to take a cut in the profits, at least you'll receive your stake back if Los Angeles wins by only three."
Ladd McConkey Over 72.5 receiving yards (-110 bet365)
"With more chemistry than Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, Herbert and Ladd McConkey's on-field relationship gets stronger each game.
The second-year receiver has at least 74 receiving yards in eight of the past nine games. That 74-yard output occurred in Week 1 against a Chiefs coverage unit that was ranked fifth last season (PFF).
McConkey had 95 yards on five receptions in Week 18 at Allegiant Stadium."
Chargers vs Raiders Best Odds:
Are the Chargers for real? Share your prediction in this thread.