Sunday, November 8, 2020, SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California, 4:05 p.m. ET
Raiders at Chargers Betting Preview: Raiders (+1.5/-118), Chargers (-1.5/-104)
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders (4-3) are feeling good about their defensive improvement after posting a 16-6 road win over the Cleveland Browns last week. Las Vegas had allowed 30 or more points in five of its first six games and still ranks 25th in scoring defense (29.0 points per game) after holding Cleveland without a touchdown. Defensive end Maxx Crosby has four of the Raiders’ seven sacks and the unit has just three interceptions.
Quarterback Derek Carr looks to bounce back from a season-low 111 yards against Cleveland and the team’s long pass play was just 17 yards. Carr has enjoyed a solid season with 1,838 yards and 14 touchdowns against only two interceptions. Josh Jacobs (522 rushing yards) gained a season-best 129 yards against the Browns and the knee he banged up during the game seems to be fine as he was a full practice participant on Wednesday.
Right tackle Trent Brown was hospitalized in Cleveland due to air entering his bloodstream while receiving a pregame IV treatment and he didn’t practice Wednesday though coach Jon Gruden said his condition has improved. Complicating matters is that Brown had come off the reserve/COVID-19 list just two days before the incident so the Raiders will likely be cautious.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers (2-5) continue to build big leads before folding in dramatic fashion and they are nearing must-win territory due to the string of collapses. The Chargers held a 24-3, third-quarter lead over the Denver Broncos last week before eventually falling 31-30 to mark the fourth contest they lost this season after holding a double-digit lead. The squad also let a 16-point advantage get away against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 7 before recovering for a 39-29 victory.
Rookie quarterback Justin Herbert has been the real deal and has tossed 13 touchdown passes over the past four games. The first-round pick from Oregon has thrown for 1,820 yards and 15 touchdowns against five interceptions while quickly establish rapport with star receiver Keenan Allen (53 receptions for 548 yards and three touchdowns). The defense has allowed an average of 32 points over the past four games and star defensive end Joey Bosa (concussion) might not be available on Sunday.
Bosa has 44.5 sacks — including 4.5 this season — in 58 career games and lacking his tenacity would be a blow to the defense. Defensive end Melvin Ingram has been back for the past two weeks after being sidelined with a knee injury but doesn’t have a sack in four games this season.
Raiders at Chargers Betting Pick for Week 9
Perhaps the Chargers need to avoid building a double-digit lead if they want to post a victory. Herbert’s play has been terrific but his late third quarter interception with the Chargers leading by 14 and firmly in field-goal range contributed to set up Denver for its rally.
The Raiders outperformed Cleveland in the trenches last week and persevered despite Carr’s suspect outing. Las Vegas figures to be better on the offensive end against a Chargers’ team prone to playing higher-scoring affairs.
Raiders at Chargers Betting Pick:
Chargers 27, Raiders 23
Raiders at Chargers Best Bet for Week 9
The Raiders displayed last week they could play defense, but this game doesn’t figure to come close to a low total like that one. There will be more points on the board, but it is reasonable to see the total fall below the under.
Raiders at Chargers Best Bet: UNDER 52 total points (-106)
