Having several divisional rivalries for Week 1 of a new NFL season is a beautiful thing, and that includes the one between the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers. They both certainly have work to do to rival the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West, but it all starts by getting that first win.

Which team will be able to take that first step? That’s what our Raiders vs. Chargers predictions are here to help answer, and even if you end up liking your own Raiders vs. Chargers picks, we’re also going to share how you can bet on anything and still claim a $1,000 sign up bonus at Caesars Sportsbook.

 

 

 

Raiders vs. Chargers Predictions for NFL Week 1, Sunday, 9/8

If there was one defining game that could pinpoint what was the nail in the coffin for former Chargers head coach Brandon Staley getting fired this offseason, it would be LA’s Thursday Night Football loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Division games are always more difficult, but their performance was far beyond that.

At the time, the Raiders were just 5-8 and were starting a rookie QB. Despite that, they took a whopping 42-0 lead into halftime, ultimately winning the game by a final score of 63-21. All that to say changes were made for the Chargers this offseason, so what does that mean for this matchup?

Frankly, it’s going to be tough to expect progression in terms of offensive production with key offseason losses. Similarly, the Raiders QB situation is far from elite, so our Raiders vs. Chargers predictions are focused on a low-scoring game. Before getting further into the best bet from our Raiders vs. Chargers picks, let’s take a closer look at each team ahead of Sunday’s game.

 

 

 

Las Vegas Raiders: More Minshew Mania

We mentioned that the Raiders were starting a rookie QB when these teams last met, which was Aiden O’Connell. Truthfully, he showed a decent amount of promise during his time under center, and not just his four TD passes against the Chargers.

However, he was only thrust into the spotlight due to QB Jimmy Garoppolo once again getting injured. Las Vegas decided to move on from him and bring in one of the most recognizable journeyman QBs in the NFL - Gardner Minshew. Between his iconic mustache and ability to fill in as a backup and be successful, the phrase Minshew Mania is a popular one.

Most recently, he helped lead the Indianapolis Colts to a winning record just last season after their rookie QB, Anthony Richardson, suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. While they didn’t end up making the playoffs, it was yet again another check mark on Minshew’s resume.

 

 

 

Los Angeles Chargers: John Harbaugh’s Return To The NFL

As for the Chargers most notable offseason acquisition, rather than a QB on the field, it was a former NFL QB in John Harbaugh. Of course, we’re talking about him in a head coaching role now, as he has made his way back to the NFL.

This comes after winning a National Championship with the Michigan Wolverines in college football, which is where he landed after coaching the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL. Before any assumptions are made, it wasn’t due to a lack of success in the big leagues, as he led the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance.

However, Harbaugh is going to have fewer pieces to work with around QB Justin Herbert, as RB Austin Ekeler and WRs Keenan Allen and Mike Williams have all headed east. Keep those losses in mind as we transition into the best bet from our Raiders vs. Chargers predictions.

 

 

 

Raiders vs. Chargers Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines

One last thing before we get that far - we’ve shared the latest Raiders vs. Chargers odds at Caesars Sportsbook below:

 

 

 

Raiders vs. Chargers Under 41.5 Points (-110 at Caesars Sportsbook)

Since it’s what we most recently mentioned, let’s start with the Chargers offseason losses. Herbert still looks to be among the most talented QBs, but his weapons are now far and few between.

As many fantasy football managers know, especially in PPR leagues, Ekeler has been an absolute monster the past few seasons. Similarly, Keenan Allen has been a target and reception machine. Regarding Williams, he had a significant injury last season, but he was LA’s true deep threat.

Those players are now with the Washington Commanders, Chicago Bears and New York Jets, respectively, and they aren’t the only weapons that will be missing from this AFC West rivalry. Las Vegas no longer has RB Josh Jacobs, who led the entire NFL in rushing just two seasons ago.

Additionally, they no longer have WR Hunter Renfrow, who is a fantastic third-down pass catcher. With all that in mind, it feels as though Raiders WR Davante Adams is the last remaining superstar on the field. Therefore, it may now come as no surprise that the top pick from our Raiders vs. Chargers predictions is under 41.5 points (-110 at Caesars Sportsbook).  

 

 

 

Raiders vs. Chargers Injury Report & Latest News

Quickly, it’s worth noting that most other sportsbooks have the total listed at 40.5 points. Ok, now, injury updates for both teams:

LV Raiders:

LA Chargers:

 

 

How To Bet On Raiders vs. Chargers at Caesars Sportsbook & Claim Your $1,000 Bonus With Promo Code VAULT51000

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