At least for now, things are looking up for the Silver and Black.
The Raiders' season-opening win over the hapless Dolphins might not have been a resounding triumph, but the formerly maligned offensive front led the way for Ashton Jeanty to power Klint Kubiak's first victory as a head coach. The vibes for the Chargers are decidedly more downbeat coming off the team's faceplant against the Cardinals.
Mike McDaniel's offense has one more week to find its footing before the Bolts embark on a seven-game stretch that will feature five playoff teams from last year. Edge rushers Maxx Crosby and Kwity Paye combined for 3 1/2 sacks in Week 1 and could fluster a Chargers front that still seems out of sorts. McDaniel and Co. will try to get the ground game going
after Omarion Hampton and Keaton Mitchell combined for just 52 yards on 16 carries, but Las Vegas managed to shut down another big-play back in De'Von Achane, who netted 36 yards on 11 carries.
The Chargers' defense faces its own reckoning after allowing 393 yards to the Cardinals. Brock Bowers' potential return from a meniscus trim could loom large here given not only how critical he is to a Raiders passing attack that struggled to expand beyond the short game, but also how pervasive Los Angeles' struggles were in guarding another star tight end in Trey McBride in the opener.
Chargers vs Raiders odds, moneyline, over/under
Opening lines:
- Spread: Chargers -8.5
- Moneyline: Chargers -375; Raiders +295
- Total: 42.5
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Raiders at Chargers score predictions
Adam Kaufman: Chargers 27, Raiders 20
The Chargers brought survivor-pool carnage to Week 1 and, once again, they're a big favorite in Los Angeles. It was a lifeless offensive debut for Justin Herbert and new coordinator Mike McDaniel, especially after the reliable Ladd McConkey departed with a rib injury that leaves his status uncertain against the Raiders. No matter what you think of the Dolphins, Klint Kubiak's head-coaching debut produced an impressive Las Vegas win when you consider Kirk Cousins had Ashton Jeanty and little else. Now, the Raiders could get Brock Bowers back from his minor knee procedure, which would give them a puncher's chance against a Chargers defense still adjusting to life without former coordinator Jesse Minter. Still, I have to believe the Chargers will get back on track. If not, I'm ready to pronounce their season over.
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz: Chargers 23, Raiders 19
Things have to pick up for the Chargers' offense at some point ... Right? For as discombobulated as Los Angeles' offense looked in the opener, the offense simply has too much of a talent advantage over the Raiders' defense to stay down for long. If the unit remains rudderless against the Silver and Black, it'll probably be time to sound the alarm. But the Bolts might not need much firepower to come out ahead of this matchup given the limitations facing Kirk Cousins and Co.
Nate Davis: Chargers 27, Raiders 23
And you thought the Bolts were going to ease into the season with home games against the Cardinals and Raiders. Now they're staring down the barrel of a 0-2 start ahead of trips to Buffalo and Seattle, which kick off a murderer's row portion of the Bolts' schedule. And make no mistake, the once-upon-a-time L.A. Raiders will likely have the home-field advantage at SoFi Stadium as they return to Hollywood, apparently as a far more competitive outfit. It's typically nonsensical to label a Week 2 game 'must-win,' but the Chargers better prevail — for their own sake.
Richard Morin: Chargers 30, Raiders 10
The Chargers falling short against the Cardinals was arguably the biggest shock of Week 1, but I don't see lightning striking twice. Wait, but we are talking about the Chargers. So would it be lightning failing to strike twice? Either way, I've got Los Angeles getting right in Week 2 against a pushover Raiders team. Frankly, I'm just not sure how much better Las Vegas can get, and I feel more comfortable taking the team with the higher ceiling, and that's the Chargers.
Where to watch Raiders at Chargers
- Matchup: Chargers vs. Raiders
- Date: Sept. 20
- Time: 4:05 p.m.
- Venue: SoFi Stadium
- Location: Inglewood, California
- TV: CBS
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Raiders at Chargers: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 2 game
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