Raiders vs. Chargers Point Spread: NFL Week 4 Odds, Prediction
Humbled by a crushing 38-10 loss in Buffalo two weeks ago, the Raiders fell flat while hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football last weekend, dropping a 23-18 decision that marks their sixth outright loss in eight games. The Chargers returned home after eking out their first win of the season, a narrow 28-24 victory in Minnesota, but have work to do to tighten up a defence that has surrendered 29 points per game during a disappointing 1-2 start.
The Chargers have improved to 5.5-point favourites on the NFL Week 4 odds since opening at -4.5. The Raiders have faded to +200 moneyline underdogs as they pursue their fourth win in seven road contests, and the total has settled at 48.5 after opening at 49.5.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Sunday afternoon’s matchup at SoFi Stadium marks the first of two regular season meetings between these AFC West rivals. These teams last year’s season series, with home teams emerging victorious in each contest, including the Chargers’ 24-19 win as 3.5-point home chalk in Week 1. The Chargers have won and covered in three of five dates with Vegas, and have held the Raiders to just 16.5 points per game in back-to-back home victories. The total has paid out in three of their past four matchups including each of their past two clashes in Los Angeles.
Las Vegas Raiders
For the third time in as many games, the Raiders opened the scoring, jumping out to a 7-0 lead over Pittsburgh on their second possession of the game. However, the Raiders also blew that early lead for the third time in as many outings, and offered little further resistance, on their way to a 23-18 loss. Jimmy Garoppolo remained steady under centre, tossing for 324 yards and two scoring passes to Davante Adams, who racked up 174 receiving yards on the night.
However, Jimmy G hurt his own cause with three interceptions that the Steelers turned into 10 points, sealing the win. Overall, the Raiders have committed seven turnovers over the first three weeks, a trend that has proven costly. And with Garoppolo now sidelined with a concussion that has kept him out of practice this week, things could get ugly if they go with veteran Bryan Hoyer under centre on Sunday.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers once again kept their fans in suspense until the late stages of last weekend’s 28-24 victory over the Minnesota Vikings before overcoming a fourth-quarter deficit with the game-winning score halfway through the final frame. The squad suffered heartbreak with a pair of narrow losses to start the season, and have now seen their first three games get settled by a combined margin of just nine points.
Justin Herbert shook off the rust while completing 85.1% of pass attempts for 405 yards and three touchdowns in the win, with Keenan Allen tallying 215 receiving yards. With Herbert throwing on just about every snap, the Chargers ground game generated just 30 total yards. With Austin Ekeler sidelined by injury, the focus on the passing game is likely to continue.
The Chargers have struggled to contain opposing passers, including Tennessee’s Ryan Tannehill, who managed to connect for 246 yards and one TD two weeks ago. However, with Jimmy G’s status uncertain, and the defensive line racking nine total sacks over the past two weeks, the Chargers defence could enjoy an opportunity to refine their game on Sunday.
LV
LAC