San Diego Chargers vs. Oakland Raiders: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

In Week 17 of the regular season, the Oakland Raiders’ will and the San Diego Chargers’ heart will be on full display.  Oakland can earn a playoff berth with a win and some help, but they don’t need that much help.  Taking out the Chargers is their greatest obstacle and, even with the fiery Philip Rivers leading the way, San Diego may not have enough fuel to finish strong with the offseason in sight.

Where: Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA

When: Sunday, Jan. 1 at 4:15 p.m. EST

Watch: CBS

Spread: Oakland by -3, according to Accuscore.com.

Oakland defeated the Chargers 24-17 in San Diego back in Week 10 in a game that actually meant something to Rivers and company.  In their house, with their backs against the wall, I’d bet on the Raiders covering the spread.  Half of the Chargers' players already have their winter vacations scheduled.

Over/Under: 49 according to Accuscore.com.

San Diego averages 24.5 points per game and surrenders 23.5, while the Raiders put up 22.2 a game and give up 26.2.  According to ESPN, it’s supposed to be 60 degrees and sunny, so cold weather won’t hold either team back from putting up points.  What I’d be worried about are injuries to each teams’ top offensive weapons.

Considering the fact that last week the Chargers only scored 10 points and the Raiders 16, "under" would be the safest way to go.

Key Injuries

According to USA Today, San Diego running backs Ryan Matthews and Michael Tolbert missed practice this week and are probable for Sunday’s game.  While both of the Chargers' backs won’t be at 100 percent, they will also most likely be without their star wide receiver altogether as Vincent Jackson is doubtful with a groin injury.

For the Raiders, Darren McFadden has been labeled doubtful and hasn’t played since Week 7 with a foot injury.  John Henderson and Jacoby Ford are listed as questionable while Michael Huff and Chris Johnson are probable to play in the season finale.  Johnson has missed Oakland’s last two games because of his sister’s passing.

Keys to Chargers Win

Philip Rivers must take care of the football.  Somehow, someway he earned an invitation to the Pro Bowl, despite turning the ball over 24 times this season.  If he turns the football over multiple times against Oakland, the hungry Raiders will take advantage.

Stopping the run is a huge key as well. 

The Chargers run defense ranks 20^th in the league in yards surrendered, giving up 123.5 a game.  Running the football is the Raiders' specialty as they boast the sixth-ranked rushing attack in the NFL.  If San Diego can hold Oakland to under 100 yards rushing on the game, they’d be well on their way to victory.

Keys to Raiders Win

"Bend but don’t break" must be the motto of the Raiders defense on Sunday.  They surrender 382.5 yards per game making them the fourth worst unit in the league in that category, but they also are the fourth-worst in points surrendered.  Oakland must hold the Chargers' offense to field goals to be able to keep pace.

They must also not become one-dimensional.  Michael Bush started off hot as McFadden’s replacement, but in the last six games, he’s only rushed for over 3.6 yards a carry in one contest.  If the Raiders can’t consistently march the ball down the field on Bush’s back, Carson Palmer will be forced to take over.

Prediction

Again, this game means nothing to the Chargers.  Sure, there’s the whole pride thing and Norv Turner’s job is on the line, but after choking again after starting the season off with such high expectations again I can’t imagine San Diego matching the Raiders’ effort.  Oakland actually has something to play for.

Not only will the Raiders knock off their divisional rival, they’ll sneak into the playoffs.

Raiders 27-20

David Daniels is a Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

Follow @TheRealDDaniels