Thursday Night Football: Chargers at Raiders Expert Pick

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL: CHARGERS AT RAIDERS EXPERT PICK – For the second consecutive Thursday, there are two backup quarterbacks squaring up for a divisional showdown.

It is a field goal spread with a low total, but it could turn into a good game. The last four matchups were all decided by seven or fewer points, with the teams splitting the four games.

There are no playoff implications, but come July, we will be wishing for any game, so soak it up while it is here.

Related: NFL Week 13 Fantasy Football Sleepers

The Odds

Kickoff

When: Thursday, 7:20 pm, December 13, 2023

Where: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV

TV: Amazon Prime

Odds courtesy of DraftKings, correct as of  December 13th, 2023.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers lost to the Broncos last week, 24 to seven. Justin Herbert injured his right index finger and underwent surgery on Tuesday. He was placed on injured reserve and is out for the season.

Wide receiver Keenan Allen has not participated in practice this week due to a heel injury. It would not be surprising if he sits out this week without Herbert at the helm.

Wide receiver Joshua Palmer was a full participant and will play this week after being out since his week eight injury.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders got shut out by the Vikings last week, three to zero. Josh Jacobs suffered a quad injury on Sunday and was a non-participant in practice on Tuesday.

Tackle Kolton Miller missed Sunday’s game and has not practiced this week.

Maxx Crosby also did not participate but has been dealing with fluid in his knee for the last few weeks. He has played through it already, so he should be able to play.

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders Head-To-Head

Easton Stick is the starting quarterback for the Chargers this week. He finished last week’s game for Herbert and went 13 for 24 for 179 yards.

He has only played 39 snaps since being drafted in 2019, so there is not much data available. The Chargers also promoted Max Duggan from the practice squad, so he is the probable backup for Stick. Stick is likely showcasing for next season as he will be a free agent.

The Chargers have struggled to score points for a few weeks now, so the offense will likely be stagnant against the Raiders’ defense, which allows the ninth-fewest points per game.

The Raiders got shut out last week, but they faced the defense that allows the fifth-fewest rushing yards and points per game.

The Chargers defense allows 21.7 points per game and 113.2 rushing yards per game. They are also the fourth-worst defense in passing yards allowed per game. The decisive factor heading into this game is Josh Jacobs’ availability.

He is the piece of the offense that makes it productive with Aidan O’Connell under center. O’Connell has not been great since taking over. He has 1,365 yards, four TDs, seven interceptions, and one rushing TD.

Prediction

Over/Under

DraftKings has the total at 34, and I would take the under. There is uncertainty surrounding Stick, and the Raiders have not scored more than 20 points in four consecutive games.

Spread

The Raiders are three-point favorites at home. They are the right side to bet on this one. The Chargers’ defense is suspect, and Stick did not inspire anyone with his play on Sunday.

Player Prop

Davante Adams finished last week’s game with 10 targets, seven receptions, and 53 yards. O’Connell also started against this defense in week four, and Adams finished with 75 yards. His receiving yardage total is 66.5, and I would take the over.