Here is a closer look at Monday night’s game between the Las Vegas Raiders and host LA Chargers. Weather is no object.
Las Vegas Raiders (3-0) at LA Chargers (2-1)
- Time: 8:15 p.m. EDT
- Line: Chargers by 3.5 (53)
The skinny: The Raiders will be making the short trip from Vegas to play in one its former home cities and could well have the home fan advantage in this game in LA’s SoFi Stadium against the Chargers.
Facts: LA had a plus-four turnover edge in last week’s 30-24 win over KC, the best differential for any team this season. Last year there were seven such games, and the only team that lost was Vegas, in the season finale at Denver last year, 32-31. LA coach Brandon Staley is the only one of the seven rookie full-time head coaches with a winning record. The other six are 3-15, with two of the wins coming against a fellow rookie boss. LA quarterback Justin Herbert had two of his 300-yard passing games last year as a rookie vs. Vegas.
The Raiders are being heralded for their three straight victories over teams that won 10 or more games last season. But this year those squads are each 1-2 and LV twice had to rally from a 14-point deficit to win in OT. In the Chargers’ 30-27 road win in Week 15 last year over Vegas, the Raiders rushed for 173 yards on 41 carries. Over the past two seasons, all other teams with 40-plus carries have gone 28-3.
Full Las Vegas Vs. Los Angeles Sports Betting Odds
|
Bet TypeSpreads
|
Open |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Analysis: The Raiders are 7-2 on the road the past two seasons and have shown a knack for knocking off quality teams, including a 31-26 midseason win last year in LA against the Chargers. Other eye-opening wins in 2020 were at KC as an 11-point underdog, at Cleveland and this season at Pittsburgh despite traveling cross country on short rest after their MNF home game vs. Miami. Last week, QB Derek Carr showed he could play well for an entire game on a bum ankle. But what about at RB? Will bulldozing Josh Jacobs make his first appearance in three weeks (ankle, toe) He’s listed as probable, which means he’s virtually assured of playing unless he trips boarding the plane. Plus, he wouldn’t want to miss going against a team that’s giving up the most ground yards per game (170.0). Then there was the early-week report Herbert has his right (passing) hand iced while leaving the stadium in KC last week. That bears watching.
Forecast: Raiders 28, Chargers 21
- Last week: 11-5 ATS, 11-5 SU
- Season total: 30-17-1 (.646) ATS; 33-15 (.638) SU
About the Author
