Las Vegas Raiders vs. Los Angeles Chargers 9/8/24 – The Las Vegas Raiders will take on the Los Angeles Chargers in premium picks and insights at SoFi Stadium this Sunday. This is the kick-off of the respective 2024 campaigns for both teams. It does not help matters that the Raiders come into the match with a preseason record of 0-2 while the Chargers do better at 1-2. Both teams are very keen to start the regular season properly. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:05 PM ET and will be televised by CBS. This matchup, which is always explosive from the onset, should be no different.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Los Angeles Chargers 9/8/24 Game Info |
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| When: | Sunday, September 8, 2024, at 4:05 PM ET |
| Where: | SoFi Stadium |
| TV: | CBS |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Las Vegas Raiders (0-2 Preseason) vs. Los Angeles Chargers (1-2 Preseason)
The Raiders might have had a slow start during their preseason matches, but one can notice the sparks of potential, more so in their ground and aerial attacks. Sincere McCormick, one of the running backs on the team, ran the ball for 3.5 yards worth of distance per attempt, but the problem will be going against the monstrous defensive line of the Chargers. Tre Tucker on the other hand, came out as a candidate who will burst onto the scene, receiving the ball for an average of 27.8 yards which will bring a different facet to the team. The Raiders offense hints at something exciting akin to the Dallas Cowboys vs. Cleveland Browns duel.
On the other side, though, the Chargers’ preseason left a lot to be desired, especially in terms of maintaining the consistency of the drives. Though Easton Stick has a pedestrian 45.5% completion rate in his attempts, he was able to make some long throws which showed that there is some vertical threat potential lurking somewhere. Jaret Patterson was more effective as a running back than the Raiders’ progression, as he averaged 4.4 yards per carry for the progression. The Chargers’ reception game, bolstered by Simi Fehoko’s impressive 24.3 yards per catch, suggests their offensive strategy might mirror the aggressive aerial assaults anticipated in the Commanders vs. Buccaneers matchup.
Carter Bradley QB vs. Easton Stick QB
The preseason numbers of Carter Bradley have been a letdown till this point due to poor performances and the use of dull grid-level stations as the game nadir has been 68.9. The eloquence of Bradley’s arm strength and accuracy occupied the foreground in bursts, particularly with his longest pass of 35 yards, but it is the need for regularity that haunts him most. Under the circumstances of knowing that the Chargers’ defensive unit will be out there, his ability to make proper decisions under pressure and hit crucial targets like Tucker will prove crucial.
Same with Easton Stick on the team, the role of MLB for the Chargers has been tough, marred by interceptions and sacks, and Stick’s quarterback rating has also come down dangerously to 46.3. Nevertheless, with the right circumstances, Stick has the capability of bringing effective strategies and throwing deep when noticing the looser defense for instance, the 78 yards pass technique.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Los Angeles Chargers -2.5 -123, Total Odds: 42.5
The current betting odds favor the Chargers slightly, reflecting their home advantage and perhaps a bit more consistency in their preseason play. The total points set at 42.5 suggests expectations of a moderately high-scoring game, considering the defensive vulnerabilities and potential for big plays from both teams.
Las Vegas Raiders Betting Trends
The Raiders have been strong against the spread, going 4-0-1 in their last 5 games. This trend, coupled with their impressive ATS record of 7-1 against AFC teams, suggests they often outperform betting expectations. However, their road game struggles and frequent unders in recent matchups must be considered when evaluating their chances.
Los Angeles Chargers Betting Trends
The Chargers have found themselves on the less favorable end of ATS results, with a 1-4 record in their last 5 games. Their home game performances have also been lacking, with a 1-6 SU record in their last 7 home stands. This trend might be a cause for concern for bettors leaning towards the home team.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Los Angeles Chargers 9/8/24 Betting Picks
Overall and even by the betting trends of both teams, this game could be staked with caution. Always coming up shy of winning, Chargers head to home games with an explosive history. Looking at the odds on the Raiders, it reflects that they play close in almost all the games thus they are a good team to bet on with the points.
As for the free NFL picks, one may suggest that if one bets on the Raiders with the +2.5 line, it is a good bet because of the betting trends for the Raiders. There could be some value found in the under as well, having both teams been under more often than not, most recently anyway.