Raiders vs Chargers odds – Chargers floundering
Posted on 12/1/2008 4:38:59 PM
By Stan Simmons
Raiders vs Chargers odds: Oakland, San Diego surprisingly close in AFC West
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WHO: Oakland Raiders vs San Diego Chargers (-10)
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WHAT: NFL Football Betting
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WHEN: Thursday, December 4 at 8:15 p.m. ET
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WHERE: Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California
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KEY STATS: Raiders are 1-6 as an underdog of 3.5 to 10 points this year; Chargers are 8-0 straight up in the last four weeks of the season over the last three years
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PICK: San Diego
Raiders vs Chargers betting present a very ugly matchup. At the beginning of the season, not many people expected the Raiders to sit just one game behind the Chargers in the AFC West standings, but that’s the case as we approach Week 13.
Those who bet online know the Raiders haven’t actually been that good but the problem is the Chargers have been absolutely horrible. It is somewhat unfathomable considering this team sent 11 members to the Pro Bowl last season and, with a roster returning virtually intact, the team has barely mustered four wins.
The Chargers may have big names like LaDainian Tomlinson and Philip Rivers, but they haven’t played much better than the pitiful Raiders.
Online betting handicappers should take notice that Tomlinson is 13th in the NFL in rushing and averaging a miserable 3.7 yards-per-carry, which is his lowest average since his rookie season.
Meanwhile, sportsbook bettors would have told you that Rivers was on the cusp of a Pro Bowl prior to the season but, in November, Rivers had four touchdowns, four interceptions, two fumbles and a 1-3 record. Still, San Diego enjoys a big edge in the Raiders vs Chargers spread.
In the previous meeting, many online betting handicappers need to remember the Raiders were winning at halftime and nearly pulled a stunning upset. It’s possible for them to pull out this contest simply because the Chargers defense has been one of the worst in the league.
The Chargers defense allows 367.6 yards per game and allows opponents to convert nearly 42 percent of third downs. They have had trouble getting off the field all year long most because their pass rush and secondary have underachieved.
The Chargers are on pace for 33 sacks after 42 last season and they are giving up 260.6 passing yards per game, which is 47.4 more than they allowed last year. More importantly, last season they gave up 20 touchdowns and totaled a league-best 30 interceptions. This season they have already allowed 21 touchdown passes and have intercepted opposing teams only seven times.
STAN’S PICK: The good news for the Chargers in Raiders vs Chargers betting is that the Raiders’ bread and butter on offense is the running attack, while the Chargers are still respectable in that aspect, giving up only 107 yards per game. The Raiders, meanwhile, have allowed an average of 158.8 rushing yards per game this season.
Sportsbook odds have the Chargers favored big in this game, which looks odd given the record of the two teams. But there is a reason for it—the Chargers are, in fact, a more talented team. Bet on San Diego.
For Raiders vs Chargers odds and other great NFL lines, visit BetOnline.com.
Blake
walked onto his college football team and had a brief stint as an assistant
coach after he graduated. He brings a sharp mind to the world of sports
handicapping. Blake understands the nuances of the game that only someone who
has played would understand, and he was one of the few who gave the Giants a
chance against the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. Thoughts or questions? Email
Comments@BetOnline.com.
