Raiders (3-0) at Chargers (2-1)
Monday, 8:15 p.m., SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California TV: ESPN
Tipico Sportsbook line: Chargers by 3 ⁄2
1
Raiders’ keys to victory: It might be a difficult task for the Raiders to get much going through the air against the Chargers’ defense. RB Josh Jacobs, on the other hand, could be a major factor facing a Los Angeles team that has allowed 170 rushing yards per game. Defensively, it comes down to making Herbert uncomfortable in the pocket and taking out WRs Keenan Allen and Mike Williams in coverage.
Chargers’ keys to victory: The Chargers are boasting one of the top offenses in the NFL, largely due to QB Justin Herbert. In order for Herbert to get hot, the offensive line must contain a Raiders front that has consistently lived in opposing backfields. Against one of the highest-scoring teams, Los Angeles has to convert in the red zone and can’t afford to trade field goals for touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, head coach Brandon Staley has done an excellent job at neutralizing the pass. LA has struggled against the run; it’s vital that the defensive line wins up front in the trenches.
Matchup to watch: Raiders’ defense vs. Chargers’ Herbert. After sharing the same sideline a season ago, Herbert faces off against his former defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, whose defense is holding opponents to 24 points per game. If there is anyone who knows Herbert’s strengths and weaknesses, it’s Bradley.
Who wins? In prime time, Herbert puts together yet another big performance. The Chargers’ pass defense limits Carr to a quiet performance, while the Raiders’ woes against the run continue.
Chargers, 34-24