Chargers vs. Raiders Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can The Chargers Stay Competitive Without Justin Herbert on TNF?
The Los Angeles Chargers will take on the Las Vegas Raiders in a Thursday night showdown this week. Can the Chargers stay competitive without Justin Herbert on TNF? Jason Radowitz answers.
Jason Radowitz - December 12, 2023, 11:50 AM EST
5 minChargers vs. Raiders Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can The Chargers Stay Competitive Without Justin Herbert?
The Los Angeles Chargers will take on the Las Vegas Raiders in a Thursday night showdown on Prime Video.
The Chargers have come down with some unfortunate news. Los Angeles's starting quarterback, Justin Herbert, fractured his index finger on his throwing hand and will undergo surgery.
He won't play on Thursday, leaving the Chargers no choice but to play former North Dakota State quarterback Ethan Stick at quarterback.
Stick threw 13 completions on 24 attempts and added 179 yards after he replaced Herbert. However, the Chargers still scored more points than the Raiders last week.
Las Vegas scored no points in a snoozefest against the Vikings that ended 3-0 in Minnesota's favor.
Will we get another snoozer on Thursday night?
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Thursday's game between the Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders.
Chargers vs. Raiders Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: December 14, 2023
- Game Time: 8:15 pm ET
- Where to Watch: PRIME VIDEO
Chargers vs. Raiders Odds
- Spread: Chargers +3 (-110), Raiders -3 (-110)
- Total Odds: O/U 33.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Chargers (+135), Raiders (-160)
Chargers vs. Raiders Injury Report
Chargers
Questionable: LB Amen Ogbongbemiga (Hamstring), DT Otito Ogbonnia (Knee), CB Deane Leonard (Ankle), WR Joshua Palmer (Knee)
Out: QB Justin Herbert (Finger)
Raiders
Questionable: OT Kolton Miller (Shoulder), DE Maxx Crosby (Knee), RB Josh Jacobs (Quad), CB Amik Robertson (Wrist), LB Curtis Bolton (Groin)
Chargers vs. Raiders Prediction
The Los Angeles Chargers won't have Justin Herbert around for Thursday's game. Therefore, they're stuck with Ethan Stick at quarterback.
After the Raiders allowed only three points to the Vikings on Sunday, it's clear that Las Vegas has a quality defense this season.
The Raiders have only allowed 19.92 points per game and have held teams to 207.69 yards in the air and 127.38 yards on the ground.
The best way to beat the Raiders is by running the football. However, the Chargers decided to use the hot hand at running back instead of using Austin Ekeler as an every-down back.
If the running game doesn't work, the passing game won't. Ethan Stick has almost no experience in the NFL.
He played in one game in 2020 for the Chargers and completed his only pass attempt for four yards. Obviously, he played more on Sunday, but he didn't look all that impressive, finishing with a QBR of 37.5.
On the other hand, the Raiders should have more success offensively. However, the team hasn't scored more than 17 points in each of their last four games.
The Chargers have allowed over 260 yards in the air per game, to go along with 113.15 yards on the ground. However, Aiden O'Connell hasn't taken the next step towards his growth this year.
His QBR is 31.1, and he's got seven interceptions with only four passing touchdowns in seven games this season.
The Chargers will give up a lot of yards on offense. But they've got a solid pass rush that can create havoc against quarterbacks who aren't mobile.
Therefore, let's go back to the Under on Thursday Night Football.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders Pick
- Under 33.5 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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NFL Odds
