Chargers Raiders Betting – Chargers Continue AFC West Climb Versus Raiders
After years of dominating in the AFC West, the San Diego Chargers have stumbled out of the gate early this season, losing two of their first three games before getting back to .500 with a blowout win over the Arizona Cardinals. The Chargers are known for slow starts under head coach Norv Turner, and it took a Denver Broncos meltdown a couple of years ago to get San Diego in to the postseason as 8-8 division winners a couple of years ago, but this year there is reason to believe things could be different. The Kansas City Chiefs are 3-0, including a win over the Chargers, while the Broncos’ just knocked off the Tennessee Titans on the road to get to 2-2. Up next for San Diego, is a division opponent that it has dominated over the past few years.
NFL Betting: San Diego Chargers @ Oakland Raiders
Online Sports Betting Pick: Chargers – 6
The Chargers have owned the Raiders in recent years, and after a 1-3 start, Oakland is the only team in the division with a negative points differential. San Diego will try to keep it that way this weekend, at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.
Why To Bet On The Chargers?
It is true that the Chargers have looked awful on the road this season, including losses to both the Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks, but that has to change eventually and why not in Oakland? The trip down the California highway barely counts as a road game, and with the third-ranked passing game in the country playing a defense who can’t stop anyone, this will likely be San Diego’s first win away from home. Both the Chargers’ run and pass defenses rank in the top-ten, giving this one blowout potential.
Why To Bet On The Raiders?
Despite losing consecutive games to the Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans, the Oakland Raiders have actually improved with every game this season. Their last two losses have come by a combined eight points, and a star has emerged at one offensive position at the least. Former first round college football betting pick running back Darren McFadden has rushed for 392 yards through four games, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. Oakland will have to find a way to get their best offensive playmaker the ball in crucial situations, and allow the flashy back to do what he does best. Defense is where the Raiders need to show the most improvement after allowing the Cardinals and Texans to combine for 55 points.
How The Game Will Play Out
It is unlikely that Philip Rivers and the San Diego offense will be shut down for a third straight road game, and with the momentum behind them after last week’s beat down, the Raiders appear to be the next victim. The Chargers have back-to-back road dates against Oakland and St. Louis Rams, which could be just what they need to get back to .500 on the road.
Chargers Raiders Betting Pick: Chargers
