Chargers vs. Raiders odds, prediction, betting trends for NFL 'Sunday Night Football'
When the Chargers (9-7) and Raiders (9-7) hook up for the final game of the 2021 NFL regular season on "Sunday Night Football" (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC), they'll play what it looks like It's a playoff game. Barring a tie, only one of the two teams can make it to the AFC playoffs as a wild-card team behind the West-winning Chiefs.
The Chargers are coming off a rebound home win over the Broncos, while the Raiders survived by beating the Colts on the road in Week 17. Justin Herbert and Derek Carr will duel for one of the last two wild-card spots behind the Patriots.
The Chargers and Raiders will be in full force, so the game should live up to the hype.
Here's everything you need to know about Raiders vs Chargers betting in Week 18, including updated odds, trends and our predictions for "Sunday Night Football."
Chargers vs. Raiders odds for Sunday Night Football
- Spread: Chargers by 3
- Over/under: 49.5
- Moneyline: -164, +138
The Chargers have held on as field-goal road favorites throughout the week. They have been the better overall team throughout the season and easily beat the Raiders in Week 4, 28–14 at home. There is no home ground when it comes to Los Angles or Las Vegas.
Chargers vs Raiders All-Time Series
The Raiders lead the series 66-56-2. The Chargers have won two in a row. Earlier Las Vegas had a three-game winning streak going back to Oakland. It halted a four-game run by the Chargers, which came on the heels of another three-game Raiders roll.
Three trends to know
-59 percent of spread bettors are siding with the Raiders as the home night underdog on more electric Chargers.
- 73 percent of over/under bettors feel that Chargers and Raiders' offense totals will be less than 50.
— The Chargers are only 4-6 against the spread and 5-5 in their last 10 straight matches. The total in those games has exceeded eight times. The Raiders are only 4-6 ATS and 5-5 SU in their last 10 matches. The total has only increased by four times.
Three things to watch
Austin Eckler vs The Raiders Defense
Eckler has had a stellar season as the Chargers lead in the new offense under Joe Lombardi. He missed the 16th week but made a strong comeback in the 17th week. He'll get a ton of touches to use his speed and quickness to burn up raiders.
Josh Jacobs vs Chargers Defense
Jacobs had his first 100-yard rushing game of the season in Week 16 against the Broncos. They have a great matchup this week and were the key to winning a close game versus the Colts in Week 18. It would be nice if he could get help from the passing game to open the running lane.
Carr, Herbert and their businesses
Both the quarterbacks have been sluggish with the ball at times. One or two mistakes can make a huge difference in a tight high-scoring game with both teams moving the ball well. Herbert is the more reliable QB.
Statistics that matter
116.1 and 136.7. How many rushing yards do the Raiders (number 21 in the NFL) and Chargers (number 30 in the NFL) have on average. Although Herbert and Carr will direct most of the action, the game will come down to who may be more dominant around Eckeler or Jacobs.
Chargers vs Raiders Prediction
The Chargers have Herbert and the Raiders. Eckeler had a more explosive season than Jacobs and Herbert has a more dangerous receiver overall. They may also have more defensive success as the raiders are limited here and cannot handle an offense so varied, versatile and aggressive. Joey Bossa and the Chargers red-hot defense preserve the late game.
