Chargers vs Raiders Odds, Lines, and Spread for Week 15 TNF
- The Las Vegas Raiders are 3.5-point home favorites over the Los Angeles Chargers in the Week 15 edition of TNF
- TNF betting record: 4-9-1 (-2.99 units won)
- The 7-6 Raiders are 1-3 in their last four games and in danger of falling out of AFC Wild Card playoff contention
On paper, the Los Angeles Chargers appear to be the elixir that the Las Vegas Raiders desperately need in order to resuscitate their flagging playoff hopes. In reality, the Raiders may be beyond saving.
Los Angeles is 4-9 on the season. However, the Chargers arrive in Las Vegas fresh off a 20-17 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Those would be the same Falcons who throttled the Raiders 43-6 just three weeks ago.
At 7-6, the Raiders sit as the #9 seed in the AFC. Las Vegas is the 3.5-point home favorite. The Raiders are 3-3 against the spread at home this season, but they are 1-0 ATS as the home chalk.
The Raiders were three-point favorites in the opening line.
Chargers vs Raiders Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Chargers | +165 | +3.5 (-108) | O 53 (-109) |
| Las Vegas Raiders | -195 | -3.5 (-113) | U 53 (-112) |
Odds taken Dec. 16th at DraftKings
Kickoff is 8:20pm EST at Allegiant Stadium. The forecast is calling for clear skies, 11 mph wind and a temperature of 57 degrees.
Coming to Raiders’ Defense
After surrendering over 40 points for the second time in three weeks, Raiders head coach Jon Gruden fired defensive coordinator Paul Guenther. Installed as the new DC in Las Vegas is Rod Marinelli, who infamously led the Detroit Lions to an 0-16 record in 2008.
The Raiders rank 30th in the NFL in scoring defense (30.1 points per game). They’re 25th in pass defense (256.1 yards per game) and also 25th at stopping the run (158.1 ypg).
Marinelli said #Raiders defensive “package has been established” and “Paul (Guenther) left a great base.” Thinks improving players’ ability to work together will make a difference. “It’s a great challenge.”
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) December 15, 2020
In last week’s 44-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, the Las Vegas defense allowed 212 yards rushing and 7.7 yards per play.
Guenther was in charge of the defense since the start of the 2018 season. Over that span of time, Las Vegas ranks last overall in scoring defense (28.4 ppg) and sacks (60), 31st in yards per play allowed (6.04), 30th in takeaways (47) and 29th in passer rating against (29th).
Chargers Struggle to Find End Zone
The LA offense is the opposite of what’s termed a bend but don’t break defense. The Chargers pile up yardage but don’t score.
What are the Chargers doing?
Anthony Lynn blowing up at his OC for running the ball with 20 seconds left in the half and no timeouts in the red zone.
Only one word for this: Shambolic.
— Laurie Horesh (@LaurieHoresh) December 13, 2020
They are eighth in total offense (383 ypg) but 22nd in scoring offense (22.8 ppg). The Chargers are 20th overall in the NFL in red-zone scoring percentage at 57.14%. They’re 29th in red-zone touchdowns (eight).
Injury Report
Four Raiders’ defensive starters are questionable – safety Johnathan Abram (concussion), cornerback Damon Arnette (concussion), linebacker Nicholas Morrow (neck) and defensive end Clelin Ferrell (left shoulder). On offense, leading rusher Josh Jacobs (ankle), center Rodney Hudson (knee) and right guard Rodney Jackson (knee) are starters who are questionable.
Jon Gruden: "We have a lot of players in question" in terms of injuries. #Raiders
— Anthony Galaviz (@agalaviz_TheBee) December 14, 2020
Five starters on each side of the ball are questionable for the Chargers. The offensive group includes RB Austin Ekeler (quadricep), wide receivers Keenan Allen (hamstring) and Mike Williams (back), tight end Hunter Henry (hip) and right tackle Bryan Bulaga (concussion).
On defense, both starting DEs – Joey Bosa (shin) and Uchenna Nwosu (back), middle linebacker Denzel Perryman (back), CB Chris Harris Jr (foot) and S Nasir Adderley (shoulder) are questionable.
Trend Spotting
The win over Atlanta marked the first time in seven games that LA covered. The Raiders have failed to cover in their last three games.
Don't forget to tip the wait staff. #ProBowlVote x Khari Willis#ProBowlVote x Khari Willis#ProBowlVote x Khari Willis
📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/ygvIuiyDKS
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 13, 2020
Raiders’ quarterback Derek Carr leads the NFL with 11 fumbles. Las Vegas is 0-3 when he turns it over multiple times. The Raiders’ -5 turnover ratio is the worst among teams with winning records.
Las Vegas has won three straight from the Chargers, but all were one-score outcomes.
Best Bet: Los Angeles Raiders (-3.5) -113, 1 unit
An industry veteran, Bob literally taught the course on the history of sports at Elder College. He has worked as a Sports Columnist for Postmedia, appeared as a guest on several radio stations, was the Vice President of the Society For International Hockey Research in Ontario, and written 25 books.
