Los Angeles Chargers (5-8) vs. Las Vegas Raiders (5-8)
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders 12/14/23 – As the NFL’s Week 8 action heats up, fans and bettors alike are turning their attention to the upcoming clash between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Las Vegas Raiders. Both teams, with identical 5-8 records, are eager to make their mark at Allegiant Stadium. This Thursday night game, set for December 14, 2023, is not just a battle for victory but also a significant event for those seeking today’s football free picks.
The Los Angeles Chargers’ offense runs through elite quarterback Justin Herbert, who is averaging over 250 passing yards per game. Running back Austin Ekeler, when healthy, adds explosiveness both on the ground and catching passes. Top wideout Keenan Allen is Herbert’s favorite target, evidenced by his 100+ receptions. If LA’s offense can execute against a struggling Raiders defense, it should give them an edge.
The Las Vegas Raiders will look to running back Josh Jacobs, who is approaching 800 rushing yards on the season, to move the chains. Newly acquired quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has failed to find consistency, though, amassing just 7 touchdowns to 9 interceptions. His top weapon, receiver Davante Adams, can break open a game if Garoppolo gets him the ball. This offense has underwhelmed but has enough talent to challenge a poor Chargers defense.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders 12/14/23 Game Info
| When: | Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 8:15 PM ET |
| Where: | Allegiant Stadium |
| TV: | AMZN |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Justin Herbert QB vs. Jimmy Garoppolo QB
Justin Herbert already looks like one of the premier passers in the league and should be considered an MVP candidate this year. Despite little help from the defense and run game, Herbert has carried the Chargers offense, passing for over 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns so far. He has shown incredible accuracy, arm strength, and decision-making ability beyond his years. Herbert excels at pushing the ball downfield, already accumulating 36 completions of 20+ yards. His 7.0 yards per attempt shows his big play ability. He also avoids mistakes, with just 6 interceptions on nearly 450 attempts. As long as Herbert is under center, the Chargers have a chance to outscore any opponent.
Jimmy Garoppolo has been average at best since being traded to the Raiders. While he had some good years on talented 49ers teams, Garoppolo has struggled to carry this lackluster Raiders supporting cast. He is completing just 65.5% of passes and has put up just 7 touchdowns compared to 9 ugly interceptions. Garoppolo’s 78.1 passer rating ranks near the bottom among current starters. While Garoppolo deserves some blame for the offense’s issues, he also suffers from a lack of weapons. Garoppolo makes too many crippling mistakes and doesn’t raise the level of this below-average receiving corps.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Los Angeles Chargers -193, Total Odds: 42.5
The current betting odds favor the Chargers, with a -3.5 point spread and a moneyline of -193. The total for the game is set at 42.5, reflecting the expectation of a moderately high-scoring game. The odds suggest that bettors are leaning towards the Chargers’ stronger offensive capabilities to prevail over the Raiders.
Los Angeles Chargers Betting Trends
The Chargers are just 1-4 straight up in their last 5 games during a disappointing season. The defense has allowed over 30 points per game over their current 5-game losing streak. Bettors are fading LA, as they’ve covered just once in that span. The under has also hit in 10 of their last 11 contests.
Las Vegas Raiders Betting Trends
It’s been an ugly year for Las Vegas, who has dropped 7 of their last 10 games. This team is consistently inconsistent, going 1-5 ATS over their last 6. Home field hasn’t helped either, with the under cashing in 7 of the Raiders’ last 8 games at Allegiant Stadium. They have also struggled against divisional opponents, covering just twice in their last 9 tries.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders 12/14/23 Betting Picks
In considering all the data, the Chargers appear to have the edge in this matchup. Their stronger passing game, led by Herbert, might be the key factor in overcoming the Raiders’ defense. However, the Raiders’ balanced offense could exploit the Chargers’ defensive vulnerabilities, making this a closer contest than the odds suggest.
For the final pick, the Chargers seem to be the safer bet, especially considering their performance against the Raiders in recent matchups. Prop bets on individual player performances, like Ekeler’s rushing yards or Allen’s receiving yards, could offer value. The total going UNDER 42.5 seems likely, given both teams’ recent trends. For those seeking premium picks, consider the Chargers to cover the spread in a tightly contested game.
Free Pick and Prediction: Los Angeles Chargers 22, Las Vegas Raiders 18