TNF Week 15: Chargers vs. Raiders odds, preview, and pick
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (right) hands off to running back Josh Jacobs. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire)
December 16th, 2020
The Week 15 edition of Thursday Night Football (8:20 p.m. ET, FOX) sees the Los Angeles Chargers (4-9) visit the Las Vegas Raiders (7-6) at Allegiant Stadium. Will the Raiders keep their postseason hopes alive against their AFC West rivals, or will the Chargers play spoiler? Here’s our wagering preview.
Chargers seized a rare win in Week 14
Los Angeles grabbed just their fourth win all season – and third in the Justin Herbert era – when they eked out a last-second field goal victory over the Atlanta Falcons last week. It was a much-needed rebound for the Chargers, who were trounced 45-0 by the New England Patriots in Week 13.
game winner? GAME WINNER. @MikeBadgley15 | 📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/er9Fh3VJtE
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) December 14, 2020
Anthony Lynn’s squad has yet to beat a winning team this year. The combined record of the four teams the Chargers have handled this year is 7-43-1.
Raiders’ slide continues
The Raiders still own a winning record, but it’s slipping through their fingers.
They were lucky to get past the New York Jets in Week 13, saving themselves from a four-game losing streak. Jon Gruden’s troops were crushed by the Indianapolis Colts in Week 14 and the Falcons in Week 12 after playing the Kansas City Chiefs close in Week 11.
He gone. 💨#ProBowlVote x @JayT23#ProBowlVote x @JayT23#ProBowlVote x @JayT23
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 13, 2020
📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/oCfPjJ6ICm
Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther was handed his walking papers after his unit allowed an average of 36.5 points per game during this 1-3 slide.
Chargers and Raiders odds and statistics
| Team Name | Passing Yards | Rushing Yards | Passing Yards Allowed | Rushing Yards Allowed |
|---|
Los Angeles Chargers | 270.4, 4th | 112.6, 16th | 217.1, 7th | 120.0, 21st |
Las Vegas Raiders | 251.4, 14th | 117.9, 12th | 256.1, 25th | 128.1, 25th |
Expect both offenses to be successful
High-octane offenses are the calling card for both clubs here, and it’s difficult to envision either defense having much luck slowing them down.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs appeared to be over his ankle sprain when he rushed for 49 yards on 13 carries against the Colts last week. Jacobs is averaging the fifth-most yards per game (69.3) by any running back (min. 12 starts) and meets a Bolts defense that’s 21st in the NFL at stopping the run.
His potential dominance on the ground in this one should open things up for quarterback Derek Carr through the air.
Great sweep run for #Raiders Josh Jacobs. pic.twitter.com/t8zLAhseeb
— Lawrence Owen (@Colts_Law) December 13, 2020
Herbert and the fourth-ranked L.A. passing game shouldn’t need much help establishing a foothold against Las Vegas’ 25th-ranked pass stoppers, but having Austin Ekeler in the backfield doesn’t hurt.
This is probably the best blocked run play we've seen in weeks from this Chargers offensive line. Headlined by a GREAT block by Sam Tevi. Excellent work up front and then you see just how good Austin Ekeler's vision is with the finish. pic.twitter.com/BT8ICIHYoX
— Guilty As Charged Podcast (@GACPodcast17) December 15, 2020
Ekeler went for 146 scrimmage yards in last week’s victory, his highest output since Week 2. He missed the Chargers’ earlier matchup with the Raiders this year – a 31-26 shootout that went to the “Silver and Black” – due to injury.
Going “Over” the trends
Several strong trends suggest an Over is in store.
The Chargers have exceeded the total in eight of their last 10 road games, and in four of their last five games as underdogs.
The Over is 5-1 through six games at the Raiders’ new home in Allegiant Stadium. Las Vegas’ Over/Under record is 8-3-1 in their last 12 games following a loss of 14 or more points.
Score prediction: Raiders 30, Chargers 27
NFL Pick: Over 52.5 points
Wager on all NFL Week 15 action on BetAmerica!
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