Chargers vs. Raiders: Updated Odds, Money Line, Spread, Props to Watch for TNF
Week 15 will kick off on Thursday night with an AFC West showdown between the Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders.
While neither team is likely to make a postseason run, both are technically still alive at 5-8. However, the game could have a bigger impact on the futures of these franchises than it does on the playoff race.
Raiders interim coach Antonio Pierce is auditioning for the full-time job, while Chargers coach Brandon Staley may have to save his with a strong final month sans Justin Herbert.
Thursday's matchup may not interest every casual fan, but it should be entertaining, and it'll provide a few prime wagering opportunities along the way. Below, we'll dive into the matchup, latest odds, lines and player props to consider
See all the Thursday Night Football bets at DraftKings.
Los Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas Raiders
1 of 4
Date: Thursday, December 14
When: 8:15 p.m. ET
Live Stream and TV: Prime Video (Fox and ABC in local markets)
Line: Las Vegas -3
Over/Under: 34.5 Points
Money Line: Las Vegas -162 (bet $162 to win $100), Los Angeles +136 (bet $100 to win $136)
Preview and Predictions
2 of 4
The Raiders haven't won a divisional game since outlasting the Denver Broncos in Week 1. However, Las Vegas will have a prime opportunity to pick up its second AFC West victory against Easton Stick and the Chargers.
Stick is set to make his first career start following Herbert's season-ending finger injury. While Stick has only appeared in two NFL games, he's not entirely inexperienced. He's been with the Chargers since 2019, and he went 49-3 as a starter at North Dakota State.
"Look, I understand North Dakota State is not the National Football League, but I'm used to winning. I only know one way," Stick said, per Jeff Miller of the Los Angeles Times.
However, it's highly unlikely that Stick will elevate an offense that produced just 23 points over its last three games. It doesn't help that Keenan Allen has been battling a heel injury and has already been ruled out.
The Raiders defense has been playing at a higher level under Pierce than it did under Josh McDaniels, and over its last five games, it has allowed just 14.4 points per outing.
The Raiders' biggest problems have been on offense, and Las Vegas was shut out by the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14. However, Aidan O'Connell, Davante Adams and the Las Vegas passing attack should have a much easier time against L.A.
The Chargers rank 27th in net yards per pass attempt allowed, 29th in passing yards allowed and 29th in total yards allowed.
While fans shouldn't expect the Raiders to light up the scoreboard, Las Vegas is well-equipped to come out on top in a low-scoring game.
Prediction: Las Vegas 20, Los Angeles 13
Austin Ekeler over 30.5 Receiving Yards
3 of 4
The Chargers reduced Austin Ekeler's role in the running game a bit last week, and he finished with only 10 carries. Isaiah Spiller and Joshua Kelley, meanwhile, combined for nine rushing attempts.
However, Ekeler did catch five passes for 49 yards, and he remains an important piece of L.A.'s passing plans. That isn't likely to change with Stick under center. If anything, the Chargers may involve Ekeler even more while giving Stick easy completions with screens and swing passes.
The Raiders rank 13th in net yards per pass attempt allowed, and L.A. may not look to regularly push the ball downfield with Stick.
This is why the over feels like the safe pick with this yardage prop. Ekeler is -115 to reach 27 receiving yards, which he has done six different times this season. While Ekeler wasn't active when the Chargers faced the Raiders in Week 4, he topped 35 receiving yards in both matchups last season.
.jpg?w=256 "Vikings Cowboys Football")
Davante Adams over 66.5 Receiving Yards
4 of 4
Even after O'Connell became the full-time starting quarterback in Week 9, Adams has remained a focal point in the passing offense. That hasn't always led to big yardage totals because of Las Vegas' offensive inconsistencies—Adams had just 53 yards last week.
However, Adams typically sees a high volume of targets. He's seen no fewer than seven targets over his past five games and has topped 70 receiving yards in three of the last four.
Adams has topped 70 yards six times this season.
This week, Adams is +114 to reach 67 receiving yards, and that feels likely. The thing to watch here is that he missed practice on Wednesday with an illness, according to Vic Tafur of The Athletic.
Given the Chargers' struggles in defending the pass, Adams should be a factor early and often. He caught eight passes for 75 yards the first time these two teams met in 2023.
Gambling problem? Call (877-8-HOPENY) or text HOPENY (467369).
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visiting ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-877-770-STOP (7867) (LA), visiting OPGR.org (OR), or calling/texting TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) or 1-888-532-3500 (VA).
Odds and lines subject to change. 21+ (18+ NH/WY). AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/LA/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.
.jpg?w=480 "Vikings Cowboys Football")
.jpg?w=480 "NFL Draft Football")
.jpg?w=480 "Raiders Football")
