Chargers vs Raiders Predictions, Picks & Best Bets for Tonight's Monday Night Football Game

The Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders square off on Monday Night Football in Week 2, with oddsmakers installing the Chargers as 3.5-point favorites and setting the Over/Under at 46.5.

Both quarterbacks came out firing in Week 1, putting up big numbers through the air. With that in mind, my Chargers vs. Raiders predictions lean toward another passing-heavy battle under the primetime lights.

Let’s break down this AFC West clash and roll out my free NFL picks for Monday, September 15.

Chargers vs Raiders prediction

Chargers vs Raiders Best bet: Over 46.5 (-110)

Geno Smith looked terrific in his Las Vegas Raiders debut last week, completing 24 of 34 passes for 362 yards. Chip Kelly's up-tempo offense looked like a natural fit for Smith, who had four completions 20+ yards downfield against the Patriots.

He'll attack a Los Angeles Chargers defense that looks due for regression after outperforming expectations in 2024. L.A.'s defense benefited from playing against a slew of bad quarterbacks at the start of last year and showed cracks towards the end of the season.

That said, the Chargers still have a better stop unit than Vegas, which has Maxx Crosby and little else.

The Raiders entered this season projected to have the worst secondary in the NFL. They have three starters in their secondary who had a coverage grade below 50 at PFF last year, and nobody with a coverage grade above 65.

They'll be tormented by Justin Herbert, who completed 25 of 34 passes for 318 yards against the Chiefs last week and did a great job of spreading the ball around.

It's also worth noting that both teams drafted highly-regarded running backs in the first round and neither found their footing in Week 1. If Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton play up to their potential, these offenses could really take off.

Chargers vs Raiders MNF same-game parlay

I'm reluctant to bet on the Chargers at -3.5, given how well the Raiders played last week. That said, the Bolts still have the better QB and the superior defense, so expect them to win.

I was wary about backing Smith's props after star tight end Brock Bowers missed practice on Thursday and Friday due to a knee injury. However, Bowers practiced on Saturday and is now expected to play.

Smith should be able to take advantage of the Chargers' young corners and eclipse his passing yards total, especially if Vegas plays with a negative game script.

Jeanty is the Rookie of the Year favorite despite an underwhelming debut in Week 1. The talented RB has the lowest anytime TD odds in this game, and the non-correlated multiplier for taking that along with betting the Chargers on the ML is tough to turn down.

Chargers vs Raiders SGP

Over 46.5

Chargers moneyline

Geno Smith Over 243.5 passing yards

Ashton Jeanty anytime touchdown

Our big-ticket SGP: Herbie fully loaded

Herbert is one of the best QBs in the league, and he's finally surrounded by talent at WR. He'll pick apart a Raiders defense that is extremely vulnerable in the back end.

Ladd McConkey is Herbert's No. 1 receiver, and the super sophomore has racked up at least 74 receiving yards in eight of his last nine games.

Chargers vs Raiders SGP

Over 46.5

Chargers moneyline

Geno Smith Over 243.5 passing yards

Ashton Jeanty anytime touchdown

Justin Herbert Over 254.5 passing yards

Ladd McConkey Over 72.5 receiving yards

Chargers vs Raiders odds

Spread: Los Angeles -3.5 (+100) | Las Vegas +3.5 (-120)

Moneyline: Los Angeles -185 | Las Vegas +155

Over/Under: Over 46.5 | Under 46.5

Chargers vs Raiders betting trend to know

The Chargers are 6-0 to the Over in their last six games. Find more NFL betting trends for Chargers vs. Raiders.

How to watch Chargers vs Raiders

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Chargers vs Raiders latest injuries

Brock Bowers is listed questionable with a knee injury heading into the Raiders’ home game tonight. The 22-year-old tight end injured the knee late in Week 1’s 20-13 victory over New England, after being hit along the sideline. He missed practice on Thursday and Friday, but returned for a limited practice session on Saturday.

Head coach Pete Carroll said Bowers “looked terrific” Saturday and expressed optimism that he’ll play. Still, the ‘questionable’ tag leaves room for a last-minute change, and there's a chance his snap count or usage could be limited depending on how he feels closer to kickoff.

Chargers vs Raiders weather

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