Chargers vs. Raiders: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

The Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers will kick off the season against each other in a Monday Night AFC West tilt.

The Raiders and Chargers were two of the three teams in the division to finish the season 8-8 as both came up just short of the playoffs and will be looking to change that this season.

The Chargers finished last season with a 38-26 victory over the Raiders that ultimately kept Oakland out of the playoffs so this rivalry game should have plenty of heat behind it as the Raiders get revenge.

Betting Info

Line: Raiders -1 (according to Bovada.lv)

Over/Under: 46.5 (according to Bovada.lv)

What's at Stake

As far as season openers go, this one has a lot on the line.

The AFC West came down to a three-way tie at the top last season with the Kansas City Chiefs only one game off the other three teams at 7-9. This year, the division should be just as close so every divisional game has serious playoff implications.

The loser won't be out of the race, but they will already be climbing out of a hole and no one wants that.

This game will be played on national television (albeit not until 10:15 pm ET) so this game will give both teams to make a big statement in front of a national audience.

Injury Report (via CBSSports.com)

Chargers: Antonio Garay DT (Ankle) Questionable, Ryan Mathews RB (Clavicle) Questionable

Raiders: David Ausberry TE (Shoulder) Probable, Juron Criner WR (Ankle) Questionable, Jacoby Ford WR (Foot) Questionable, Sebastian Janikowski K (Groin) Probable, Denarius Moore (Hamstring) Questionable, Brandon Myers TE (Shoulder) Probable, Richard Seymour DT (Knee) Questionable

Prediction: Raiders 23 Chargers 20

As the line indicates, this is a really close matchup and it should give us a good idea of who is in a good position to win the AFC West early in the season.

The Raiders look poised to make a run after a promising 8-8 season was highlighted by a young and speedy receiver corps that could develop into a potent passing attack. Add in the return of Darren McFadden from injury and an experienced quarterback in Carson Palmer and the Raiders seem to finally have a functional offense.

Conversely, the Chargers appear to be on the downside. Star quarterback Phillip Rivers is coming off of his worst season as a starter in years, and the team lost stud receiver Vincent Jackson to free agency. The emergence of running back Ryan Mathews should have been able to cover for a rebuilding passing game, but Mathews is unlikely to play while recovering from a broken collarbone.

Without Mathews, this will be tough for the Chargers to win as Ronnie Brown is a pretty big step down at the running back position and Rivers has shown a penchant for turning the ball over.

The Chargers will be in the hunt for the AFC West title, but the early going might be difficult for them as they find an offensive identity without Mathews and Jackson.