NFL Football
2025-01-05 - Los Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas Raiders
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States : NFL Week 18
Sunday 5th January 2025 - Scheduled 4:25pm
9:25pm (British Time)
Preview
Jim Harbaugh has guided the Los Angeles Chargers (10-6) back into the Playoff in his first season as the Head Coach and he has made it clear that his starters will be playing even with the Wild Card Round to come next week.
There is an outside chance that the Chargers can improve Seeding with a victory, but they will know where they stand by the time this game kicks off as they need a Pittsburgh defeat on Saturday.
In Week 17 the Chargers crushed the New England Patriots on the road and they are not expected to play at home again this season, so there is a road warrior mentality that Jim Harbaugh will want to harness and this is an opportunity to build momentum.
Of course the Las Vegas Raiders (4-12) will want to try and spoil the plan for a rival from within the AFC West and they have won consecutive games, although that might have been costly for the Raiders and their bid to earn a very high NFL Draft Pick.
The wins have been against Jacksonville and New Orleans and this is a significant upgrade in opponent for the Raiders to beat in their final game of the season.
Las Vegas will be hoping they can establish the run, although it has not been the best of time for this Offensive Line which has worn down. However, there have been spaces to exploit against this Chargers Defensive Line and that may be a positive for Aidan O'Connell at Quarter Back.
He should have some time to find Brock Bowers, who has set a new rookie record for Receiving yards out of the Tight End position, and that should give Las Vegas a chance to keep the chains moving. However, this is a Raiders team that have been pretty poor for most of the season and who were beaten by 12 points when facing the Chargers in Los Angeles.
This will also be seen as a chance for the Chargers to build some rhythm and that should mean a few more carries for JK Dobbins who only returned to action in Week 17. He has had a bit more time than the usual work week to get himself ready, which will help, and Dobbins can certainly give Los Angeles a threat on the ground against this struggling Raiders Defensive Line.
Justin Herbert has been given time at Quarter Back and he should be given time by the Offensive Line to find some of the playmakers down the field.
This is an opportunity for Justin Herbert to keep things ticking along against a Raiders Secondary that have been worn down through the course of the regular season, even if they have played pretty well against the last two opponents. However, holding Mac Jones and Spencer Rattler down is one thing and containing Justin Herbert is another and this looks like a chance for the Chargers to back up the win over the Patriots with another win and cover of a line that is set at a similar mark as it was in Week 17.
Prediction
Lay the points with the road favourite.
The Pick :
Las Vegas Raiders 17-24 Los Angeles Chargers
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
I'll back Los Angeles Chargers - 4 Points at -115 with Bovada
