The Las Vegas Raiders (9-7 SU, 7-9 ATS) will host the Los Angeles Chargers (9-7, 8-8) as small home underdogs in the Week 18 Sunday Night Football matchup, with the Sportsbook earning an AFC wild-card playoff berth. The Raiders are riding a three-game winning streak after a 23-20 upset victory over the Indianapolis Colts as 8.5-point road underdogs last week while the Chargers routed the Denver Broncos 34-13 as 8-point home favorites. Los Angeles has won the past two meetings in this series.
- Date/Time: January 9, 8:20 p.m. ET
- Stadium: Allegiant Stadium
- TV Coverage: NBC
- Sportsbook Odds: Chargers -2 | O/U 47.5 (Line History)
- Chargers vs Raiders Matchup Report
Sportsbook Odds Analysis
There has been very little line movement on this game in early wagering so far, with Los Angeles moving up a bit to -2.5 and the total rising one point to 48.5. Being a home underdog is nothing new for Las Vegas, as the team has closed in that role in four of its eight games at Allegiant Stadium this season.
The Raiders are 2-2 SU and ATS as home dogs this year, and the Chargers have lost two in a row as road favorites. In the first meeting between these teams back in Week 4, Los Angeles defeated Las Vegas 28-14 as a 3-point home favorite after the latter started the season at 3-0 SU and 2-1 ATS.
Los Angeles News & Notes
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert took care of business against the Broncos, throwing for 237 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions to help the Bolts end their two-game skid.
They should have already clinched a postseason spot, but a 41-29 loss to the Houston Texans as 13-point road favorites in Week 16 could come back to bite them if they are unable to sweep the Raiders.
Los Angeles got off to a fast start in the last meeting, jumping out to a 21-0 halftime lead and then holding on for the win. Defensively, the Chargers contained Raiders quarterback Derek Carr to a season-low 196 passing yards in that victory, sacking him four times – once by Joey Bosa – and picking him off once too.
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Las Vegas News & Notes
Offensively, Las Vegas has been a much different team lately but hopes that will change. The Raiders have managed to win their last three games while playing without tight end Darren Waller, who last saw action on Thanksgiving in a 36-33 overtime win against the Dallas Cowboys.
Waller was suffering from knee and back injuries before landing on the reserve/COVID-19 list last week, so he should be able to return here as long as he is healthy otherwise.
That would be a huge boost for Carr, who has been relying almost exclusively on wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (career-high 99 catches for 1,025 yards and seven touchdowns) in the passing game since Waller went down. Waller and Renfrow combined for 10 catches, 95 receiving yards and the two touchdowns in the first meeting.
How Los Angeles Will Cover
Bosa has been in Carr’s head and must continue to pressure him in this spot. The Los Angeles defense overall has been up and down, and holding Carr in check – and forcing a turnover or two – should be enough to get the team to win, cover and make the playoffs.
How Las Vegas Will Cover
Carr’s play very well could be the difference, especially since the Las Vegas defense has been so good recently. His future could be on the line, and having Waller back would certainly help. The Raiders are 6-0 SU and 5-1 ATS when he throws for over 300 yards.
Computer Pick: Raiders +2.5
- Best Spread-115+102LAC-3+3LV
- Best Moneyline-166+146LACLV
- Best Total-110-110Over49.549.5Under
For more Week 18 NFL predictions, visit our NFL Computer Picks page.
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Buy Sports Picks Now- LA is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on Sunday night.
- Las Vegas is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 prime-time games.
- The UNDER is 7-3 in the past 10 meetings.
