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Raiders vs. Chargers Prediction, Odds, Spread and Over/Under for NFL Week 1 (Expect an AFC West Shootout)

By Iain MacMillan

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. / Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
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The Los Angeles Chargers 2022 NFL season will begin right where their 2021 NFL season ended.

In case you forgot, the Chargers and the Las Vegas Raiders dueled in a classic Week 18 matchup last year, one that had the potential for an extremely unique outcome. Both teams were in a "win-and-in" situation for the playoffs, but if they managed to play to a tie, they would have both got in and the Pittsburgh Steelers would've watched the postseason from home.

The game came down to one final play in overtime, and the Raiders elected to kick a field goal to send home their division rival.

Now the two teams will face-off in the opening week of the 2022 season. Both squads have high hopes, and Las Vegas will finally get a chance to show off its new weapon, Davante Adams.

Let's take a look at the odds, trends, and best bet for this AFC West showdown.

Raiders vs. Chargers Odds, Spread, and Total

Raiders vs. Chargers Betting Trends

  • Raiders are 4-2 ATS in their last six games vs. Chargers.
  • Raiders are 6-1 straight up in their last seven games played in September.
  • Raiders are 5-1 ATS in their last six Week 1 games.
  • The OVER is 4-2 in the last six meetings between these teams.
  • The OVER is 6-1 in the last seven Chargers' home games.

Raiders vs. Chargers Prediction and Pick

I think the spread is set at the correct number for this matchup, so I'm going to look at the total instead.

I think we're going to see a shootout in this game. Both offenses ranked in the top 10 in yards per play last year, and while I know the Chargers added some pieces on defense, like Khalil Mack, I think it's still a weakness for them. They ranked 20th in opponent yards per play in 2021 at 5.6.

Finally, both units were amongst the worst in scoring defense. The Raiders allowed an average of 25.8 points per game, and the Chargers allowed an average of 27, which ranked 26th and 29th respectively.

The Raiders will get to unleash Davante Adams, and Justin Herbert will begin his campaign as one of the more popular bets to win NFL MVP.

Let's root for some points in this one.

Pick: OVER 52.5

You can track Iain's bets on Betstamp here.

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