Raiders vs. Chargers Prediction: Week 2 Odds, Picks & Best Bet
My best Raiders vs. Chargers prediction focuses on the Chargers bouncing back from a disappointing Week 1 performance. While they opened as 8.5-point favorites, the spread has dropped to 6.5, and I love Justin Herbert to lead his team to at least a seven-point victory in Week 2.
Sunday's game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., will kick off at 4:05 p.m. ET. It will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+.
🏈 Raiders vs. Chargers picks & predictions
See all of our experts' NFL picks for Week 2 based on the latest NFL odds.
| Pick | Bet size |
|---|---|
| Chargers -6.5 (-110 via bet365) | 2 units |
| Over 43.5 (-110 via DraftKings) | 0.5 units |
Total wagered: 2.5 units | Max profit: +2.28 units
💰 Raiders vs. Chargers prediction & best bet
Check out all of our NFL picks for more analysis across this week's slate.
Chargers -6.5 (-110 via bet365)
Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty rushed for 102 yards in Week 1, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. However, the Chargers' defense is much better against the run than the Dolphins', as they held the Cardinals to just 3.4 yards per carry last week.
Additionally, the Chargers dominated Jeanty last season. In two games against his division rivals, Jeanty ran for just 74 yards, averaging 2.8 yards per carry. If Jeanty can't get going, I don't trust Kirk Cousins, who averaged just 5.3 yards per attempt and threw two interceptions in Week 1, to outduel Herbert.
While the Raiders sacked Malik Willis five times last week, Pro Football Focus also reports that Willis had the second-most time to throw of any quarterback in the NFL. I expect the Chargers' offensive coordinator, Mike McDaniel, to scheme shorter, quicker throws to help Herbert offset the Raiders' pass rush.
📡 SBR Edge - Herbert dominating the Raiders
Herbert has won his last five games against the Raiders by at least seven points, with four of those victories by double digits.
Don't overreact to Week 1
Overreacting to Week 1 is always a mistake, and the spread for this game is a prime example of the public jumping to conclusions. The Chargers were terrible in Week 1, as they were outgained 393-268, finished with a turnover margin of -2, and lost by 12 at home to the Cardinals. But they're also at home again this week, and they're taking on a team that, even after a Week 1 win, is projected to finish with just six wins.
The Raiders won their Week 1 game, but the performance came against a team that oddsmakers project to win three or fewer contests this season. And remember, the score was just 17-13 with 10 minutes left in the third quarter.
Score prediction: Chargers 27 Raiders 17
📊 Raiders vs. Chargers odds
See the latest NFL odds for every Week 2 matchup.
Raiders vs. Chargers opening odds
- Moneyline: Raiders +330 | Chargers -425
- Spread: Raiders +8.5 (-110) | Chargers -8.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 42.5 (-110) | Under 42.5 (-110)
📺 How to watch Raiders vs. Chargers: Week 2
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 20
- Kickoff: 4:05 p.m. ET
- Location: SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, Calif.)
- TV: CBS
- Streaming: Paramount+
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