Do the Chargers underline their position as favourites in the AFC West?

Chargers vs. Raiders? That rings a bell! This very divisional duel was the last regular season game of last NFL season. At that time it was clear in advance that only the winner of the game could qualify for the playoffs. The Raiders then had the happier end on their side in overtime.

Both teams are part of the AFC West, which will probably become the strongest division this year. In addition to the Los Angeles Chargers and the Las Vegas Raiders, the odds see the hosts slightly ahead in the head-to-head, the Chiefs and the Broncos are two other strong franchises part of the division.

The upgrading of the Chargers, Raiders and Broncos will bring the AFC West even closer together. So every win and every victory against a division rival counts almost double. These are the best conditions for a really entertaining week-one match-up between the Chargers and Raiders. A tip on plenty of points also seems realistic based on the last game.

Los Angeles Chargers – Statistics & current form

The Chargers are entering their second year under head coach Brandon Staley after a good season. Quarterback Justin Herbert is now entering his third season and was already one of the top five playmakers in the entire league last year. Ahead of the Chargers vs Raiders season opener, betting odds for the Chargers to win the AFC West division are 3.25.

Once again, a potent offence?

Compared to last year, the team has taken a step forward in personnel and progress in the second year under head coach Staley can be assumed. What remains to be seen is whether the offense will open up a bit for Herbert, who has one of the strongest arms in the NFL. For that to be done, investments have been made in the offensive line that protects him. There are now only marginal weaknesses there.

The arsenal for him is still outstanding and with Allen and Williams he has one of the best pass receiving duos ever at his disposal. The passing game will also continue to see a big role for Ekeler, who is a super receiver in addition to his primary position of running back. Tight end Everett, who came from Seattle, can also become a factor.

With the trade for Khalil Mack, the defensive line is almost scary. That’s because playing opposite Mack is none other than Joey Bosa. In passing situations from the opposing offense, these two players will always be able to put pressure on the opposing quarterback. If the defence finally starts playing better against the opposition’s run, Los Angeles could become a contender for the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Given the improved defence, we’d venture a prediction between the Chargers and Raiders that the home side will allow relatively few points to the visitors.

Key Players:
QB: Justin Herbert
RB: Austin Ekeler
WR: Keenan Allen
TE: Gerald Everett
K: Dustin Hopkins

Las Vegas Raiders – stats & recent form

It was one of the biggest and most surprising trades of the NFL offseason. Davante Adams is celebrating a reunion with his college quarterback, transferring from cold Green Bay to Sin City – the city of forgivable sins. With him, the Las Vegas Raiders now have one of the best receivers in the entire NFL in their ranks. Adams and quarterback Carr once played together for the Fresno State Bulldogs. If the connection between the two works anywhere near as well as it did in college, it’s going to be explosive.

New head coach

But it also deserves mention that there has been another change at the coaching position. After the turbulent last season with the dismissal of John Gruden and the takeover of interim coach Rich Bisaccia, calm is now to return. The cult franchise signed Josh McDaniels, who had been with the New England Patriots since 2012. His first head coaching stint with the Broncos in 2009 and 2010 was less successful. His team won eleven of 28 games.

In Las Vegas, everything should now be better, but looking at the other teams in this division, it will be hard to pass. Strictly speaking, Derek Carr, who is a top-15 playmaker, is on paper the worst quarterback in the AFC West. However, the Raiders have enormous potential offensively and if all their players are fit, they probably don’t need to hide from any opponent. Carr will have no shortage of starting positions in an offence that may be built on short, quick passes.

The fact that Carr will probably have to throw the ball quickly is also due to the shaky offensive line. There was a big surprise there a few days ago. Offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood was dismissed after only one – bad – season. But that won’t make Carr worry any less. Against the strong defensive line that the visitors possess, that becomes a real problem between the Chargers and Raiders according to our forecast.

The individual quality on the defensive line has clearly increased. However, due to changes at the defensive coordinator position, it will probably take some time until the structure has come together and works. The opening match will probably show that clearly.

Key Players:
QB: Derek Carr
RB: Josh Jacobs
WR: Davante Adams
TE: Darren Waller
K: Daniel Carlson

Los Angeles Chargers – Las Vegas Raiders Head-to-head comparison / H2H record

Due to their affiliation with the AFC West, the two teams regularly meet twice per season. Two of the last six direct meetings went into overtime. However, we rule that out for the upcoming match. The Raiders have won four of the six meetings since 2019.

There were always numerous touchdowns to marvel at. They have always scored at least 41 points, which is why we can assume that the game in week one will also break this mark. However, the points offered by betting provider bet365 is significantly higher. Between the Chargers and Raiders, however, we would refrain from betting on this. Because whether Las Vegas can really get rolling offensively remains to be seen.

Los Angeles Chargers – Las Vegas Raiders Tip

In our eyes, the clear distribution of betting odds is justified in the Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders game. While the Chargers will be playing for first place in the division, the Raiders will have to fight to avoid finishing in last place. That, of course, is pie in the sky. The home side have enough arguments in their favour for a win.

Last but not least, placing bets on at least three Chargers touchdowns is a very safe bet.