The Los Angeles Chargers (9-7, 4-3 away) and Las Vegas Raiders (9-7, 4-4 home) battle for a playoff spot in primetime on Sunday Night Football. The AFC West clash closes out the NFL regular season. Los Angeles won the first meeting between these two, a 28-14 victory in L.A.
Sunday’s kickoff is at 8:20 p.m. EST inside Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV. The Chargers are a 3-point favorite, and the over-under total is 49 points.
What to Know – Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles bounced back last week with a romp over the Denver Broncos after losses in the previous two weeks that included a defeat at the hands of the Houston Texans. The Chargers have a chance to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2018 and just the second time since 2013.
Offensively, the Chargers average 27.6 points and generate 398.8 yards of total offense per game. On defense, Los Angeles surrenders 26.5 points and holds opponents to 374.3 yards of offense.
Justin Herbert threw for 237 yards and a pair of touchdowns, and Austin Ekeler added a rushing touchdown in their 34-13 triumph over the Broncos. Mike Williams and Keenan Allen caught touchdown passes from Herbert. Returner Andre Roberts took a 101 kickoff return to the house, his first trip to the endzone since 2018.
The Chargers are 8-8 against the spread and 8-4 ATS over their last 12 games against the Raiders. Los Angeles is 2-6 ATS in their previous eight against teams from the AFC.
What to Know – Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders carry a three-game winning streak into the season finale in a year filled with drama within the organization. Las Vegas played each of those games close, with all three wins coming by a total of nine points.
Las Vegas scores 21.2 points behind an offense that averages 378.8 yards a game. The Raiders’ defense allows 25.4 points and 341.9 yards to opponents.
Daniel Carlson hit a 33-year field goal as time expired to push the Raiders to a 23-20 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. David Carr tossed a fourth-quarter touchdown pass to Hunter Renfrow, and Josh Jacobs added a score on the ground. Zay Jones hauled in a career-high eight receptions for 120 yards.
Las Vegas is 7-9 ATS and 3-6 ATS over their previous nine contests. The Raiders are 2-5 ATS in their last seven home games.
The Pick is In
Through all the distractions the Raiders faced this season, they control their own destiny heading into the final week of the regular season. Justin Herbert has flipped the switch and should lead an explosive offense in Sin City.
Jacobs should have a field day out of the backfield for the Raiders against a Chargers’ defense that has been eaten alive by the run. Providing a feel-good story heading into the postseason, Las Vegas pulls off the upset and punches their ticket to the playoffs.
Betting Pick: Las Vegas Raiders +3
