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There’s no use crying over spilt milk, and in this case, that’s the flat field goal spread. Taking the Chargers now requires one to eat the hook, which is not ideal given 22% of NFL game margins fall inside 3 points or less. L.A.’s ferocious defensive line should wreak havoc on a questionable offensive front for Las Vegas, and it’s tough to buy into the Raiders right away in their first game under Josh McDaniels while the Chargers have continuity across the entire team. Both teams made big offseason additions, but those basically cancel out. As does the homefield advantage, which is generally nonexistent for the Chargers but especially so when the Raiders are in town. Look for Derwin James to slow down Darren Waller.
This is going to be a wild game and Sofi Stadium will be packed with Raiders fans. It will be like a home game for the Raiders. The Chargers can actually be given a -1 on the number for home field. The new Raiders with Chandler Jones on the edge and Derek Carr getting his college teammate Davante Adams back added to an arsenal with Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow. Take the Raiders taking the points.
If RJ and Larry agree on a game that's generally good enough for me (hey, I can't win every sport ... maybe). But I'm not playing around with a possible push at -3 so moneyline it is. It has risen to -3.5 at many books. I have way too many Chargers on my Fantasy teams could be part of this.
Losing your prized offseason signing at cornerback is not what you want to see when going up against Davante Adams in Week 1, but that should be the case here after J.C. Jackson recently underwent ankle surgery. But even with that setback, I have to believe the Chargers have the edge in the passing game with their set of weapons against the Raiders secondary. I also think the Chargers are strong enough to succeed up front against a very good Raiders D-line. This team also rediscovered some semblance of a home-field advantage last year, so considering I have the Chargers rated well ahead of the Raiders, I think there's value grabbing 3, even at -120.
Less than two weeks before the opener, the Raiders are settled at just two offensive line spots. They're still evaluating film of their own options and scouring the waiver wire. That's not ideal as they prepare for Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Derwin James and Kyle Van Noy, among others. While the Raiders have their own pair of edge-rushing stars in Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones, I trust the Chargers' O-line much more. They. have good continuity and added the best guard in the draft, Zion Johnson, at No. 17 overall. The Raiders made a big splash adding Davante Adams, but the Chargers returned every key weapon. In Josh McDaniels' debut, I'll back LA to win by about a touchdown. Some books have LA as 3.5-point favorites, but at Caesars and others its LA -3 (-120).