The Raiders, despite four quality wins, are entering their third straight week as underdogs. A familiar changing of the line (as it did last week) indicates that the public money is once again on the Raiders. The Chargers opened up as 2.5 point favorites and MyBookie Sportsbook has it currently listed as a pickem’.
The Chargers roll into the weekend as losers of five of their last six, but the Bolts seem to have found their franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert, as he has flashed star potential in his six games played (15 TDs 5 INTs).
Some insightful betting trends to know:
The Raiders defense could be key in this one as they are 2-0 this season when allowing 29 points or fewer. The Chargers are 4-0 ATS when they turn the ball over less than their season average of 1.3. Meanwhile, the Raiders are 3-1 SU when they force more than their average of 0.6 TPG.
Last week the Raiders were heavily aided by the inclement weather and defensive coordinator Paul Guenther had the defense prepared as they held the Browns without a touchdown. The defensive line continues to struggle getting consistent pressure (to put it nicely) so expect Guenther to dial up stunts and blitzes to try and confuse the rookie quarterback. The defense could gain a boost as first-round CB Damon Arnette practiced this week for the first time since injuring his hand/wrist in week 3. Once again the Raiders are expected to be without arguably their 2 best offensive linemen as Trent Brown continues to miss games due to unusual circumstances.
Here is what the media pundits are saying:
Pete Prisco, NFL on CBS
“The Raiders impressed last week on the road winning at Cleveland. The defense came up big. They face a tough challenge in hot rookie passer Justin Herbert. The Chargers find new ways to blow leads seemingly every week. But that won’t happen here as Herbert has a big day.”
Chargers 31, Raiders 27
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News
“The Chargers have become meme material for blowing second-half leads, and that has overshadowed the play of rookie quarterback Justin Herbert. If the Raiders truly are a playoff contender, then they win this game. Las Vegas is 3-1 S/U on the road.”
Raiders 31, Chargers 28
Vic Tafur, The Athletic
“Justin Herbert has been one of the biggest surprises in the NFL — not even Oregon fans envisioned him throwing deep and making plays this well as a rookie. He is due to slow down at some point, but not this week against a Raiders defense that has no quarterback sacks and two quarterback hits the last two games. Should Derek Carr and company be able to outscore the Chargers? Yeah, but I just don’t see it behind a patchwork offensive line on the road, in non-40 mph winds, as all the Raiders fans that used to dominate Chargers games in San Diego and Los Angeles will be missed.”
Sam Farmer, LA Times
“The Chargers haven’t proved they can win close games. The Raiders just went on the road and pulled off an impressive victory at Cleveland. Justin Herbert might throw for 400 and not get the W.”
Raiders 31, Chargers 27
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In my humble opinion, if I may be so bold, Robbie Hudson is the best lineman and the anchor of this offensive line. He’s number one. Number two is Richie Incognito. Number three is Colton Miller who is not allowed a single sack this year and has graded as one of the best left tackles in the league. Not missing a game or a snap either by the way. Note to Trent Brown. Number 4 is Trent Brown if he’s playing Gabe Jackson would be next and after he would come denzelle good.
The major concern for this weekend is not that were shocked that Trent Brown isn’t going to play. Or that Richie Incognito is not back yet. The major dilemma for this weekend is that Kolton Miller hasn’t practiced this week and as an injured ankle and if he can’t play then our offensive line is supremely compromised the only break we got is that Joey glass Bosa is out this weekend with an injury
Justin Herbert just lost Keenan Allen if they even see the end zone once it would be lucky based on that. He’s their only real offensive weapon that is a true threat on every snap and now he’s gone and so is one of their starting cornerbacks so they will have a much weaker offense and a week or secondary I think Derek Carl pick them apart Darren Waller will and Hunter Renfrow will have a field day and Henry rugg’s will score two touchdowns you heard it here first folks