The Los Angeles Chargers visit the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday Night in a game that can be seen on FOX and NFL Network. The Chargers are coming off a win over Atlanta while the Raiders were blown out by Indianapolis. The Raiders have gone from a team in good shape to making the AFC playoffs to the first team out, but the good news for Las Vegas is that their remaining schedule is favorable. Let’s look at the Thursday night matchup and NFL picks.
Watch this regular season NFL Week 15 matchup on Thursday, December 17, at 8:20 p.m. ET from Allegiant Stadium. Catch the game live on FOX and NFL Network and bet on NFL odds at BookMaker.eu every day of the season.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Los Angeles Chargers +3.5
Las Vegas Raiders -3.5
Total 54
Odds Analysis
The line on this game is moving toward the Chargers and it may go to 3. There are not many bettors who trust the Raiders and their rotten defense. You can also expect the total on this game to rise to at least 54.5 or possibly as high as 55. The Chargers have played a lot of close games this season and last week they actually found a way to win one, as they defeated the Atlanta Falcons.
Injury Report
The Chargers have a few new injuries to monitor heading into Thursday’s game. The offensive line is definitely a concern, as guard Trai Turner and tackle Bryan Bulaga are questionable with concussions. Wide receiver Mike Williams is also questionable with a back injury. There are no new injuries of note for the Raiders.
Key Matchup
The Chargers are averaging 22.8 points per game with most of their success coming through the air, as they average 283 passing yards per game. Keenan Allen leads the team with 99 receptions for 975 yards and eight touchdowns. The Raiders are giving up 30.1 points per game and 262.5 passing yards per game. If the Raiders can slow down Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles passing attack they should win this game. If the Chargers don’t have two of their offensive linemen for this game they could have some problems protecting Herbert. The Raiders fired their defensive coordinator, Paul Guenther on Sunday night and named Rod Marinelli as the interim defensive coordinator. The Raiders can’t be any worse on defense under Marinelli and they should receive a boost in energy for this week.
Game Trends
The Raiders have won the last three meetings, including 31-26 in early November. The Chargers are 32-15-4 ATS in their last 51 games as a road underdog. The Chargers are 1-7-1 ATS in their last 9 vs. the AFC West. The Raiders are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 vs. the AFC West. The Over is 8-2 in the Chargers last 10 road games. The Over is 4-1-1 in the Raiders last 6 home games. The Under is 23-8 in the Raiders last 31 vs. the AFC West. The Under is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in this series.
Free ATS Pick
The public is already taking the Chargers in this game and it is easy to see why, as the Raiders are struggling, but keep in mind that this is a Chargers team that has problems. The Chargers find ways to lose games and they were fortunate last week to beat Atlanta. The Raiders should be motivated to play well on defense this week and although they will still give up their share of points, the offense should be able to outscore Los Angeles. I will go against the public and lay the points and take the Raiders on Thursday night.
NFL Pick: Raiders 31, Chargers 17
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