San Diego Chargers vs. Oakland Raiders: Spread Analysis and Pick Prediction

The Oakland Raiders (1-3) host San Diego (2-2) in a Week 5 situation that has traditionally turned out well for Chargers bettors. In the past 11 seasons, San Diego has come to Oakland and covered the spread nine times and they are favored to do it again Sunday night.

Point spread: Chargers opened as 2.5-point favorites; the total was 44. (Line updates and Matchup report)

Computer Prediction: 22.9-16.9 Chargers

 

Why the Chargers can cover the spread

Philip Rivers has been providing the Chargers with his best Peyton Manning impression, and comes in after throwing for 401 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Chargers past Dallas 30-21 last Sunday. He's averaging just less than 300 yards per game and ranks eighth with a 118.8 passer rating.

The Chargers are 9-2 ATS in 11 visits to Oakland and they are also tough in divisional road games lately (5-1 ATS).

 

Why the Raiders can cover the spread

With a time change, along with this one being at home, Oakland may be fired up a little bit more to step up in front of its local fan base on national television. The Raiders are in triple revenge here, as the Bolts have won three straight—that after Oakland took three in a row. It might be time for the pattern to change.

 

Smart Pick

San Diego should have no trouble extending the win streak in this series since the Raiders' backfield is in question. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor, running back Darren McFadden and fullback Marcel Reece are all under close watch this week, as their availability for this game is uncertain.

The UNDER has been a reliable bet lately in Oakland home games.

 

Trends:

Raiders 2-9 SU & ATS past 11 at home vs. San Diego

Raiders played 6 straight home UNDERs

Chargers 5-1 ATS past 6 divisional road games
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