Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders – As the NFL season progresses into Week 15, the match-up between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Las Vegas Raiders is set to be a pivotal clash. Both teams, with identical 5-8 records, will strive to improve their standing. Scheduled for Thursday, December 14, 2023, at Allegiant Stadium and broadcasted on AMZN, this game is a crucial one for NFL daily picks enthusiasts.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Date & Time: Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 8:15 PM ET
Location: Allegiant Stadium
TV: AMZN
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Chargers | -193 | -3.5 (-112) | 42.5 over (-111) |
| Raiders | +163 | +3.5 (-110) | 42.5 under (-111) |
Los Angeles Chargers Analysis
The Los Angeles Chargers’ offense, led by quarterback Justin Herbert, who is posting 253 passing yards per contest with 20 TDs and 6 interceptions. His 69.5% completion rate allows for a controlled short passing game. Herbert has developed chemistry with WR Keenan Allen, who leads the team with 1175 receiving yards on 102 catches, meaning the duo connects over 10 times per game. On the ground, Austin Ekeler adds a rushing and receiving dual threat out of the backfield when healthy. However, injuries have limited Ekeler to just 9 games where he averaged 49.6 rushing yards per contest. Getting Ekeler back against a poor Raiders run defense could open up the passing attack even more.
Defensively, LA allows the 6th most passing yards, indicating susceptibility in the secondary. They also rank in the bottom half of the league with 22.5 points allowed per game. The Chargers have forced just 12 turnovers on the season, meaning they need to improve at taking the ball away. For the Bolts defense to succeed, they’ll need to limit Vegas drives through tighter coverage and turnovers while playing tight red zone defense. If they can hold the Raiders to field goals instead of touchdowns, it will go a long way toward a road victory.
Las Vegas Raiders Analysis
Offensively, the Raiders have been reliant on quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and running back Josh Jacobs. the Raiders passing offense has found more consistency, averaging nearly 201 yards through the air per game. Garoppolo is completing 65.5% of throws, helping move the chains for an offense ranking 10th in third down conversion rate. WR Davante Adams is Garoppolo’s undisputed top target, hauling in 69 catches for 814 yards, good for almost 68 receiving yards per contest. This connection will need to be firing on all cylinders. The ground game features RB Josh Jacobs, who has 771 rushing yards and 6 scores while averaging over 3.5 yards per carry. Sustained drives will be key for Vegas to control time of possession.
The Raiders defense has fluctuated against both the pass and run this season. They’ve been gashed frequently against the run, ranking 25th while giving up 128 rush yards per game and 4.6 yards per carry. The pass defense is about league average in most categories, but has allowed 29 passing scores, 6th most in the NFL. For Vegas to prevail, the defense must limit LA drives through sturdy run defense to force difficult down and distance situations. Rattling the opposing QB will also be critical – the Raiders have just 20 sacks on the year. This unit needs to step up and force mistakes.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders Against the Spread
The Chargers are just 1-4 against the spread (ATS) over their previous 5 outings. LA has also gone under the total in 10 of their last 11 matchups. When facing the Raiders recently, Los Angeles is 4-2 straight up and ATS in the past 6 meetings between the two clubs. The under has hit in 5 of the Chargers’ last 5 road games as well.
For Las Vegas, the under has hit in 5 of their past 6 contests overall. In addition, the Raiders are 2-5 straight up in their last 7 games. Against divisional foe LA, the under is 4-0 in Vegas’ previous 4 showdowns with the Bolts. At home, the under has cashed in 7 of the last 8 Raiders games at Allegiant Stadium. When hosting the Chargers, Las Vegas is 7-13 ATS in the teams’ last 20 clashes in Sin City.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders Free Pick
Based on odds, trends, team stats, and key players, here are the picks:
Moneyline: Chargers -193
The Chargers, despite their struggles, have a slightly more consistent offense and have historically performed well against the Raiders.
Spread: Chargers -3.5 (-112)
The Chargers’ offense, led by Herbert, has the potential to cover this spread against the Raiders’ defense.
Total: 42.5 under (-111)
Considering the trends of both teams, particularly their recent games going UNDER, this seems like a safer bet.
Predicted Score: Los Angeles Chargers 24, Las Vegas Raiders 17
For bettors, especially those engaged in Canadian live betting, the most reliable pick seems to be the total going UNDER 42.5. The Chargers get the win and cover, but won’t need to hit the over for bettors to cash these picks. Both teams have shown a consistent pattern in this regard, and given their current forms and defensive strengths, a low-scoring game is more likely.
