With the Los Angeles Chargers’ history of setbacks, you might think that resting starters against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday would be the wisest approach for the playoff-bound Bolts.
However, Jim Harbaugh is set to send out the big guns for at least some snaps in Week 18, and that clouds the picture for my Chargers vs Raiders predictions.
A four-win Las Vegas team has nothing to lose at this point, and my NFL picks trust the hosts to sign off with a solid offensive display.
Kick-off is set for 4:25 p.m. ET, live on CBS.
Chargers vs Raiders prediction
- Spread predictions: Raiders +6.5 (-110)
- Moneyline prediction: Raiders moneyline (+265)
- Over/Under predictions: Under 42 (-110)
- Best bet: Brock Bowers Over 76.5 receiving yards (-115)
Chargers vs Raiders moneyline prediction
Both teams have won back-to-back games, and I’d pick a Chargers victory if this was sure to be a meaningful contest. That said, it would be madness for L.A. to overextend itself here.
If anything, the Raiders moneyline could be worth a wager, with L.A. looking ahead to its Wild Card weekend date.
Chargers vs Raiders spread prediction
Though the Chargers are 11-5 ATS this season, I like taking the points with the hosts here. Antonio Pierce’s men are playing carefree football, and Aidan O’Connell is coming off steady outings against New Orleans and Jacksonville.
Chargers vs Raiders Over/Under prediction
The Under is always in play with an L.A. offense that loves to run the ball and put together long drives, and that’s been a winning ticket in four of the past five meetings between these teams.
The possibility of the Chargers’ second-stringers seeing the field in the second half is another reason to steer clear of the Over.
My best bet
Brock Bowers Over 76.5 receiving yards (-115 at BetMGM)
My analysis
The Los Angeles Chargers enter the weekend as the No. 6 seed and they’ll know before kick-off whether there’s any chance of climbing higher (i.e. how hard to push their starters). That brings an uncomfortable level of unpredictability, so I’m looking at the Las Vegas Raiders instead — and their most reliable weapon.
Brock Bowers’ first year in the NFL has been a revelation, setting new records for receiving yards by a rookie tight end (1,144) and receptions by a rookie (now 108), and I see him finishing on a high note this weekend.
Even with erratic quarterback play, Bowers has bossed games for the Raiders. He’s eclipsed this 76.5 O/U number in his last two games, including 11 catches for 99 yards in Week 16 against the Jaguars.
Bowers has built a nice connection with QB Aidan O’Connell, and you can pencil him in for a healthy volume of targets. He caught six of his eight targets against L.A. in Week 1, and he’s taken off since then.
Regardless of whether the Chargers have their first-choice defense on the field all afternoon, Bowers is a matchup nightmare. On the heels of at least one catch of more than 20 yards in four of his past five contests, this Over feels very much within reach for the Raiders’ No.1 option — who could spring for a big play at any given moment.
Chargers vs Raiders same-game parlay
Brock Bowers Over 76.5 receiving yards
Aidan O'Connell Over 228.5 passing yards
Under 41.5
I’m doubling down on the Las Vegas offense by picking the Over on O’Connell’s passing yards. This is one of his last auditions for the starting QB job, and O'Connell has gone past the 240-yard mark in his past two outings while leading the Raiders to consecutive victories.
Those wins have hurt the hosts’ draft positioning, but O’Connell has been interception-free across those eight quarters of football and I expect at least a B+ effort on Sunday.
The teams don’t seem suited to a fast-paced shootout, so I’m also grabbing the Under on this 41.5 line. The Under has been a winning ticket in six of L.A.’s last eight road games, and the Raiders’ past five contests have all fallen short of this total.
Keep in mind that it’s also a huge downgrade for the visitors if Justin Herbert gives way to Easton Stick, who’s looked out of his depth at the NFL level.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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More NFL picks and odds from Covers
Chargers vs Raiders odds
Chargers vs Raiders live odds
Chargers vs Raiders opening odds
- Spread: Los Angeles -5.5 | Las Vegas +5.5
- Moneyline: Los Angeles -250 | Las Vegas +200
- Over/Under: Over 41 | Under 41
Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Chargers vs Raiders spread and Over/Under analysis
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The Chargers enter as favorites and picked up a 22-10 win in the last Week 1 head-to-head clash, but beware a Raiders side that has nothing to lose.
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Keep an eye on the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night. If they win, L.A.’s incentive to go all-out on Sunday disappears.
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Las Vegas is 3-1-1 ATS in its last five contests.
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The Chargers held the Patriots to just seven points last weekend, and they’ve scored exactly 17 points in three of their last five games.
Chargers vs Raiders betting trend to know
Las Vegas has hit the 3Q Under in six of its last eight home games. Find more NFL betting trends for Chargers vs. Raiders.
Chargers vs Raiders game info
| Location: | Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV |
| Date: | Sunday, 1-5, 2025 |
| Kickoff: | 4:25 p.m. ET |
| TV: | CBS |
Chargers vs Raiders latest injuries
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