By: Rich Bergeron
NFL Betting Line from Bovada – Chargers vs Raiders:
- Point Spread: San Diego Chargers -7.5 (-115), Oakland Raiders +7.5 (-105)
- Money Line: Chargers -320, Raiders +260
- Over Under: 43.5 points, Over (-110), Under (-110)
The 4-1 San Diego Chargers are facing their polar opposites in week 6. The Oakland Raiders are 0-4 and averaging 12.8 points per game while giving up an average of 25.8 points per game. The Raiders must find it hard to remember the last time the team won a game, as they are winless in their last ten.
Meanwhile, the Chargers are just a one-point loss in their season opener away from a perfect season. Despite losing Running Backs Donald Brown and Ryan Matthews (sprained MCL) to injuries, the offense averages 26.6 points per game. Defensively, the team allows a lowly 12.6 points per game. Brown didn’t amaze anyone in his relief of Matthews, but Undrafted Rookie Branden Oliver had a ton of fantasy owners trying to pick him up this week after he took over for a concussed Brown last Sunday against the Jets. Oliver took 19 carries for 114 yards and a touchdown, adding 68 yards and another touchdown in receiving. Oliver’s outburst had a ton of fantasy football team owners scrambling to pick him up this week.
The Chargers actually picked up a new player of their own in Ronnie Brown, another back to support Oliver this week. San Diego’s also rolling out their fourth starting center thanks to a spate of injuries at that position. Still, so much rides on the play of All-Star QB Philip Rivers (116-165, 1,443 yards, 12 TDs, 2 INTs), who shook off a hand injury last week to keep his team’s winning streak going. Rivers averaged 345.8 yards of passing over his last four road games against the Raiders.
Oakland fired Coach Dennis Allen after a week 4 loss to Miami in London, ironically replacing him with the old Dolphins Head Coach Tony Sparano. The new coach will have his first full game to run this Sunday, and he is reportedly ready to roll out a new and improved running game. Right now Oakland ranks last in the league in that category, averaging just 61.5 yards per game. Rookie QB Derek Carr (84-133, 734 yards, 4 TDs, 4 INTs) has been unable to pick up the slack for Oakland. He’ll be coming back to the starting position this week after leaving the Miami game with ankle and knee issues. He’ll also face a San Diego squad that is third in the league in total defense (290.8 average yards allowed per game).
Defensively, the Raiders will miss Linebacker Nick Roach, who is still facing serious issues after a pre-season concussion. The defense allowed 68 points in two home appearances so far this season. The last time Oakland beat San Diego was a 27-17 victory last October 6th, which the Chargers avenged later than season. The Raiders won that game thanks to five turnovers, including three interceptions of Rivers. They will have a tough time matching those numbers Sunday.
Prediction: There will be no hiccups this week for the Chargers. This team is on their way to the playoffs and could very well finish the season without losing again. Rivers throws for three touchdowns while Oliver and Brown explode for over 200 yards and split two scores. The field goal unit does the rest for the Chargers, who cruise to a 41-14 victory over the sluggish Raiders.
