Point spread: The Raiders opened as six-point favorites; the total was 44.5 early in the week, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark (line updates and matchup report).
NFL pick, via Odds Shark computer: 26.6-16.0 Raiders
Why the Chargers can cover the spread
The Chargers proved last week what it means to play for pride, as they disposed of the Miami Dolphins, 30-14, as one-point favorites in what could be their last game at Qualcomm Stadium. Ironically, the Raiders have had a bit of a home-field advantage at Qualcomm when they have visited there because of all the fans in the area who supported them when they called Los Angeles home.
San Diego now has an opportunity to earn some payback here in Oakland after falling 37-29 in the first meeting, which was not nearly as close as the final score indicated. The Chargers trailed 37-6 heading into the fourth quarter before quarterback Philip Rivers threw all three of his touchdown passes, including two to running back Danny Woodhead. Rivers should be primed for revenge in this prime-time divisional game.
Why the Raiders can cover the spread
The Raiders appear to have the brighter future of the two rivals because quarterback Derek Carr is just coming into his own as a young signal-caller, while Rivers is clearly on the downside of his career. Carr burned the San Diego secondary in the first meeting, completing 24 of 31 passes for 289 yards with three touc...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
