Raiders are the underdog in Week 16, but should you put money on them?
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Raiders at Chargers Picks, Predictions & Betting Odds
- Odds: Chargers -7
- Over/Under: 45
- Kickoff: 4:05 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: CBS
The Chargers and Raiders have had disappointing seasons, but the two teams meet up in a divisional rivalry on Sunday in Los Angeles. Philip Rivers is coming off another poor performance in a loss to the Vikings while the Raiders lost their final game in Oakland against a struggling Jaguars team.
Our experts preview this AFC West matchup, complete with a pick.
Raiders-Chargers Injury Report
Which team is healthier? Chargers
The Chargers continue to be relatively healthy. The trend of limiting Mike Williams (knee) continues this week, but he still hasn’t missed any time. The other injury to monitor is offensive lineman Russell Okung (groin).
The Raiders placed Trent Brown (pectoral) on injured reserve and they already ruled out Josh Jacobs (shoulder) for this game. That means DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard will handle the backfield duties. Richie Incognito (ankle) is also on their injury report, and he’s a name worth watching since he’s graded out as one of the best pass-blockers in the league. They could have their hands full with Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. — Justin Bailey
Note: Info as of Thursday. See our Injury Report for daily practice participation and game statuses up until kickoff.
Biggest Mismatch
Chargers Pass Offense vs. Raiders Pass Defense
The Raiders’ pass defense has struggled mightily, allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. They’ve allowed opposing signal-callers to produce the sixth-most passing yards (3899) and second-most passing touchdowns (32).
And their defense has been significantly worse on the road overall.

Their defense is also a favorable matchup for the Chargers receivers. Oakland allows the eighth-most receptions and receiving yards, and the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing wideouts. Both Keenan Allen (fourth in receptions, 10th in receiving yards) and Mike Williams (three consecutive overall WR2 or better finishes) will have ample opportunities.
Look for a big game from Hunter Henry, who operates against a Raiders defense that has also allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Oakland has allowed nine touchdowns to the position, ranking only behind Arizona (15).
Despite the rumblings of Rivers possibly facing his final year for the Chargers, Week 16 sets up as an ideal matchup for a talented passing offense. — Mike Randle
Sean Koerner’s Projected Odds
- Projected Spread: Chargers -7
- Projected Total: 46
Both teams are coming off devastating losses.
The Raiders coasted to a 16-3 lead at halftime in what was an emotional final game in Oakland, so it was a bit odd to see them take their foot off the gas and allow the Jags to come back and win 20-16. If the Raiders couldn’t pull off that win at home, I’m not sure how they are able to play a competitive game against the Chargers.
Meanwhile, the Chargers were popping so much in my model last week that I made them my Play of the Year. The market behavior clearly indicated that the sharps were on the same side, but the result could not have been any worse as the Chargers ended up turning the ball over six times to the Vikings one turnover.
It’s impossible to win a game in the NFL with a -5 turnover margin, so the 39-10 score wasn’t too surprising.
The Chargers are likely to bounce back from that debacle, so I’d lean toward them here, but I’m hoping last week was the last time I ever lose money on Rivers. He’s been terrible down the stretch this season — the Chargers will have some tough decisions to make this offseason regarding their future at QB.
Rivers and the Chargers are clearly going to rebound for a blowout win just to pour salt in my wound, so this is a hard pass for me. — Sean Koerner
PRO System Match
Since 2003, the under is 838-741-29 (53.1%) in division games. Unders have been a smart play in division games as increased familiarity between teams creates a lower-scoring environment.
It may seem obvious to some bettors, but it’s been more profitable to take the under in division games with high totals (more than 44 points) — it’s just easier for unders to cash when more points are expected to be scored.
Following this Pro System, bettors have gone 190-113-3 (62.7%) since 2003. A $100 bettor would have returned a profit of $6,755 following this strategy.
The Chargers are averaging 21.4 points per game and the Raiders have scored 19.6 ppg – both rank in the bottom half of the league. This total has decreased from 47 to 45.5 and could go lower. — John Ewing
Expert Pick
Matthew Freedman: Under 45
Since the Chargers moved from San Diego to Los Angeles in 2017 and started playing in the miniature StubHub Center — now Dignity Health Sports Park, although it will always be the StubHub in my heart — they have been one of the league’s most under-friendly home teams.
Is there a reason for the StubHub under? My sense is that the Chargers simply lack the home-field advantage most teams have. On the road, they have averaged 23.4 points per game, but at home they have experienced just a slight uptick to 24.1.
Without the natural home-field scoring boost most teams get, the Chargers are understandably prone to the under in LA. The StubHub under is 14-7 (29.2% ROI).
I bet the under at 47, but like it down to 45.
Freedman is 520-389-21 (57.2%) overall betting on the NFL. You can follow him in our free app.