NFL Week 1 will feature a division matchup between the new-look Los Angeles Chargers and the Las Vegas Raiders. It’s a pivotal matchup if either team wants a chance to make the playoffs in the AFC. The Chargers have a changing of the guard as Jim Harbaugh takes over as the head coach for the Chargers. Meanwhile, the Raiders removed the interim tag from Antonio Pierce and made him the official head coach of the Raiders. Below are the Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers preview and predictions.
Raiders At Chargers Preview and Predictions
Both teams come into this season with new head coaches looking to notch their first one of the season. Jim Harbaugh who previously left the NFL to be the head coach at Michigan returns after delivering Michigan a National Championship. Meanwhile, Antonio Pierce replaced Josh McDaniels last season and did enough to earn himself the job for the Raiders.
Justin Herbert comes into this season a bit hobbled as he is dealing with a foot injury. Furthermore, Herbert will not have his top targets in Kennan Allen and Austin Ekeler who departed for NFC teams. The Raiders will start Gardner Minshew for the season. Both teams have plenty to prove during the 2024 NFL season. Let’s get to my Paiders at Chargers Preview/Predictions and best bet next!
Best Bets
Last season, these teams split their regular season matchups but the Week 15 meeting in Vegas stands out. The Raiders put it in on the Chargers in a 63-21 victory. Will the Chargers be out for revenge? Possibly. But I am curious to watch how the new-look Chargers will perform on offense. The Raiders come into this game with plenty of questions. How will the offense look with Minshew taking the snaps? Will the back end of the defense for the Raiders see improvement?
On the other side of it, the Chargers will have a new backfield led by Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins. I believe the Chargers with Harbaugh will have a run-heavy approach and do their best to protect Herbert who is dealing with a foot injury. Will the injury linger on Herbert throughout the season? Possibly. But I am banking on the Chargers to exploit the defensive woes of the Raiders.
This could be a long game for the Raiders if Minshew and the offense turn the football over. The Under has been a profitable angle in Chargers games in the division at home. In fact, the Under has been 6-3 since 2021. Meanwhile, the Raiders are also 6-3 to the Under in division road games.
