Los Angeles Chargers vs Las Vegas Raiders Odds, Betting Predictions and Picks
Los Angeles Chargers vs Las Vegas Raiders Odds, Betting Predictions and Picks
The Los Angeles Chargers and the Las Vegas Raiders bring down the curtain on Sunday’s NFL betting card and, simultaneously, put a bow on the 2021 regular season when they collide in an AFC West showdown that’s set to decide the AFC playoffs.
The Chargers can clinch their first playoff berth since 2018, while the Raiders can clinch their first playoff berth since 2016. The stakes couldn’t be any higher for this Sunday Night Football showdown.
And it all comes down to Week 18 -- a game that bookmakers have cornered with the Chargers on the NFL odds board. Does the market have it right? Will the Chargers come through as the favorites? Or will the Raiders pull off the upset? Heady questions, indeed.
Los Angeles Chargers vs Las Vegas Raiders
Date: Sunday, January 9, 2022,
Time: 8:20 PM ET
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
TV Broadcast: NBC
Click Here for Chargers vs Raiders Odds
Chargers Betting Preview
The Chargers have had their ups and downs this season. But they arrive at the final hurdle, sporting a 9-7-0 record and a chance to rubberstamp their passage into the postseason. A win or a tie over the Raiders will be enough to get the Chargers into the postseason.
Justin Herbert led the Chargers to a 28-14 win over the Raiders at SoFi Stadium earlier this season. The win was one of several signature victories that have established the sophomore as a bona fide franchise quarterback. Others included wins over the Kansas City Chiefs, the Cleveland Browns, and the Pittsburgh Steelers, to name a few.
It hasn’t been all smooth sailing for Brandon Staley’s side down the stretch, though. High expectations, injuries, and covid-19 all have conspired against them of late. The Chargers are 3-2 SU in their last five fixtures. Losses to the Chiefs and Texans marked their recent setbacks. Last Sunday, however, the Chargers bounced back with a solid 34-13 win over the Broncos to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Raiders Betting Preview
Every time the Raiders are written off, they seem to bounce back. After going 1-5 straight up between Week 9 and 14, the Raiders turned things around behind a three-game winning streak. They beat the Browns, Broncos, and the Indianapolis Colts to improve to a 9-7-0 record. This recent spate of positive form has revived their playoff hopes.
The Raiders can clinch a playoff spot with a win over the Chargers. That’s the most straightforward avenue. They can also clinch with a tie against the Chargers and a Colts loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Every single team has had to deal with pressure, injury, and covid-19 this season. But the Raiders have had the added challenge of a series of off-field dramas that would put most soap operas to shame. From the exit of disgraced former head coach Jon Gruden to Henry Ruggs III tragic accident and more, the distractions have been aplenty. And yet, they’re still alive and relevant. That is, at least for one more week.
Fun fact, Derek Carr has never played in the playoffs, despite being instrumental in the Raiders’ lone playoff appearance in 2016. Carr suffered a season-ending injury in the final weeks of that season. Thus, he was denied the chance to reap the rewards of his efforts.
Los Angeles Chargers vs Las Vegas Raiders Odds
| ML | Team | Total | Spread |
|---|---|---|---|
| -155 | Chargers | O 49 | -3 |
| +140 | Raiders | U 49 | +3 |
The markets opened with the Chargers at -2, but the line quickly jumped out to Chargers -3 with most sports betting sites. The game total has oscillated between an opening 48.5 points and 50 points over the course of the week.
Los Angeles Chargers vs Las Vegas Raiders Predictions and Picks
It’s simple as a win-and-in scenario for both teams. In other words, the premium on the win couldn’t be any greater than it is in a matchup that has a little bit of everything – from bad blood, personal vendettas, and division bragging rights.
The Raiders have home advantage, which may well be deciding. In addition, they have beef and a bone to pick here. Derek Carr didn’t take kindly to his side’s loss to the Chargers. In particular, Joey Bosa’s post-game comments got under his skin, after the defensive end suggested he was one of the most easily rattled quarterbacks in the game.
The Chargers have the upper hand, having beaten the Raiders earlier this season at home. In addition, they’re versatile and electric, especially when Herbert is on top form.
What might set apart the Chargers is their fearlessness. Head coach Brandon Staley isn’t risk-averse or afraid to go for it. It hasn’t always gone his way, though, which is probably why the Chargers are in this position, having to fight for a place in the playoffs. Having said that, his high risk-tolerance may well prove deciding in the biggest game of the season. Fortune favors the brave, so they say.
It’s a total coin toss for NFL picks. Push comes to shove, the Chargers to win and cover is probably the choice bet here.
- NFL Picks: Los Angeles Chargers -3
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Nikki Adams is a freelance sports writer that’s honed in on the world of sports betting. She joined OddsChecker in 2021 after having covered a number of major American sports, including NFL and NCAAF, for several other publications in the industry. When she’s not looking for the best betting angles and writing engaging and insightful articles, she’s likely on a tennis court or binging on reality TV.