The only way is up for the Los Angeles Chargers after a Week 1 no-show, and the panic meter is buzzing ahead of Sunday’s clash with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Justin Herbert and Co. enter as -6.5 favorites, but Klint Kubiak got off to a winning start as Las Vegas head coach last weekend, and my Raiders vs Chargers predictions back an Ashton Jeanty-powered offense to keep the upset in play here.
I dig into the top betting storylines with my NFL picks for this September 20 AFC West clash.
Raiders vs Chargers prediction: Raiders +6.5
All the pressure weighs on the shoulders of Justin Herbert, Jim Harbaugh, and the Los Angeles Chargers in this Week 2 showdown – and I can’t get on board with a line of almost a touchdown.
The doubts start with the hosts’ shaky offense. The Chargers have scored just 36 total points across their last four outings (all losses), dating back to last season, and now top target Ladd McConkey is a major question mark with a rib injury.
I’m also throwing out LA’s dominance in prior meetings between these teams. This new-look Las Vegas Raiders squad maximized Ashton Jeanty in Week 1 to paper over Brock Bowers’ absence, and their pass rush can exploit the weak center of LA’s offensive line.
With Raider Nation turning SoFi Stadium black and silver on Sunday, the visitors can dominate the trenches, and they scored 27 points in Week 1 despite a two-interception day from Kirk Cousins.
COVERS INTEL: The much-hyped Chargers run game was held to just 81 yards on the ground in Week 1, and it gets no easier against the Raiders' disruptive front seven, which bottled up the Dolphins' rushing attack last weekend (74 yards on 18 carries). 
Raiders vs Chargers combo (+550)
Given the Chargers’ sloppy Week 1 outing and the likelihood that McConkey is either out or limited, I’m jumping on the Under, which was 11-6-1 for LA last season.
Equally, the Raiders’ steady offensive day against the tanking Miami Dolphins was hardly a stern test, and their own thin receiver depth will be tested here. The Under was 5-3 in Las Vegas’ eight road games in 2025.
The likeliest carryover from last weekend for the Raiders is Jeanty’s do-it-all role. He had 29 touches against Miami, including six catches for 45 yards and a pair of TDs, and I see Kubiak drawing up ways to get the ball into his best player’s hands.
Raiders vs Chargers combo
- Raiders +6.5
- Under 43.5
- Ashton Jeanty Over 26.5 receiving yards
TOP PICK
Raiders vs Chargers touchdown scorer: Ashton Jeanty
Coming off 10 touchdowns in his rookie year, Jeanty is primed to cruise past that total in Kubiak’s offense, in part thanks to the Raiders’ improvements upfront.
Running behind Tyler Linderbaum, Kolton Miller and DJ Glaze, Jeanty should get red zone opportunities at SoFi Stadium, and it’s not as if Kirk Cousins is a big threat to vulture goal-line carries.
Plus, the Chargers gave up 116 yards on the ground in Week 1, including a TD for Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love.
- Top picks: 0-0, +0.00 units
- Combos: 0-0, +0.00 units
Raiders vs Chargers odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Spread: Raiders +6.5 | Chargers -6.5
- Over/Under: Over 43.5 (51%) | Under 43.5 (50%)
- Moneyline: Raiders 28% | Chargers 72%
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Raiders vs Chargers weather
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Raiders vs Chargers trend to know
The Under was a winning ticket in five of the past eight meetings between these teams. Find more NFL betting trends for Raiders vs. Chargers.
How to watch Raiders vs Chargers
| Location | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Calif. |
| Date | Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 4:05 p.m. ET |
| TV | CBS |
Raiders vs Chargers latest injuries
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