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Los Angeles finally got its first win of the season last time out but has little margin for error if it wants to get back in the playoff race. The Chargers will be the underdogs in this matchup if Raiders quarterback Derek Carr can play, but that is no sure thing. If he is not available, Los Angeles will have a definite chance to win.
This is a critical game for the Raiders to avoid falling to 2-4 on the year but it won’t be an easy game either way, but especially if they are missing their quarterback.
Kickoff for this regular season Week 6 game is set for Sunday, October 15, 2017, at 4:25 p.m. ET at Oakland Alameda Coliseum.
Odds Analysis
The oddsmakers are hesitating to put a line on this game until Carr’s injury status is more certain. Oakland could be a slight favorite without him, but it’s also possible the Chargers are slight favorites in that scenario. There is no doubt the Raiders will be the team to beat at home if Carr plays.
The scoring total will also be significantly affected by his availability. The offense moves much smoother when Carr is at the reins.
Injury Report
Carr — The Raiders quarterback could be be back in action this weekend against the Chargers according to head coach Jack Del Rio, although he is currently listed as day-to-day. Carr hurt his back in Oakland’s loss to Denver and was originally expected to miss two-to-four weeks. Backup E.J. Manuel was 13-for-26 for 159 yards and a touchdown filling in for Carr last week, but the team lost.
Gareon Conley —Oakland’s rookie cornerback missed his second straight game Sunday and his third of the season with a nagging shin injury. The 2017 first-round pick has been dealing with the injury since training camp. He has only appeared in two games so far this season for the Raiders who were also without cornerback David Amerson last week.
Mike Williams -- The Chargers’ first-round pick has not played this season but is expected to make his season debut in this one. Los Angeles has Keenan Allen leading the way at receiver but Williams is another big-play option who could make an immediate impact.
Player To Watch
Melvin Gordon — The Chargers running back accumulated 160 yards from scrimmage Sunday against the Giants and helped Los Angeles to its first victory of the season. Gordon ran the ball for 105 yards and also had six receptions for 58 yards and two touchdowns.
It was by far his best game of the season and Gordon will look to build upon that this week against the Raiders. The third-year player was just three yards shy of 1,000 yards rushing last year so he’s capable of being a difference-maker for the Chargers.
Free ATS Pick
The Raiders had a great season in 2016 but have been missing that magic thus far. So much of this game depends on Carr’s availability. The feeling is that he will be back, and it’s a huge development.
Oakland knows how badly it needs this victory, and it should come. Take the Raiders to take care of business at home as they have the better talent when Carr is around. Check the spread as this should be a competitive contest and Los Angeles could cover the spread. The “over” should be the right call.
NFL Odds: Raiders 27, Chargers 23
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