An early AFC West matchup carries important implications as the Las Vegas Raiders (1-0) look to build on an impressive Week 1 win over the Dolphins while the Los Angeles Chargers (0-1) try to avoid an 0-2 start after a Week 1 loss to the Cardinals.
The Raiders opened the season with one of the most impressive Week 1 performances in the league. Led by the running back Ashton Jeanty (102 yds rushing and 45 yds. receiving with 2 TDs), Las Vegas controlled most of the game against Miami. Kirk Cousins was strong under center in his Raiders debut completing 21 of 30 passes for 160 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Defensively, Las Vegas limited Miami to 13 points while allowing just 74 yards rushing in the process. The Chargers started well but faded quickly against the Cards. Los Angeles marched 77 yards for a touchdown on its opening drive, but struggled to contain the offense from that point on. Justin Herbert finished with 209 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception. Wide receiver Ladd McConkey caught five passes for 82 yards and a touchdown before leaving with a rib injury. Monitor his status for Sunday’s tilt because he is a WR1 and his absence would be felt. The real concern for LA was on defense as the Chargers surrendered 393 yards and 26 points. They just couldn’t get off the field.
The most important matchup of the game is Jeanty against the Chargers defensive line. The sophomore running back dominated in Week 1 as the Chargers struggled defensively during their stride. Another subplot worth paying attention to is the Raiders’ pass rush against Herbert. Vegas reached Willis five times last week. They may not need as many sacks against Herbert, but they will need to bother him consistently all afternoon.
The Raiders are looking to start the season 2-0 for the first time since 2021 while the Chargers are looking to avoid an 0-2 start since 2023.
Let’s dive into the numbers and see if we can’t find an extra sweat or two.
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Game details and how to watch Raiders vs Chargers
- date: Sunday, September 20, 2026
- time: 4:05 PM ET
- YOUR: SoFi Stadium
- town: Los Angeles, CA
- TV/Broadcasting: CBS
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Last game odds for Raiders vs Chargers
The latest odds from Wednesday courtesy of DraftKings:
- Money line: Las Vegas Raiders (+240), Los Angeles Chargers (-298)
- SPREAD: Loaders -6.5
- in total: 43.5
The money for the visiting Raiders has dropped the number from where it opened at Chargers -8.5. The total is up one point after opening at 42.5.
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Rotoworld’s best bets
Expert picks and predictions: Raiders vs. Chargers
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Our model calculates predictions around every money line, spread and over/under for every game on the NFL calendar based on data points such as past performance, player matchups, betting trends and weather forecasts.
After the model finishes running, we place its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each bet.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Sunday’s game between the Raiders and Chargers:
- Money line: NBC Sports is staying away from a Moneyline game
- SPREAD: NBC Sports is leaning one game at Raiders +6.5.
- in total: NBC Sports is leaning towards a game at Total UNDER 43.5.
The total stands at 43.5 with a trend towards Under. Neither offense showed skill on the field in Week 1 – Kirk Cousins was 1 of 7 on 10-plus yard passes, and Justin Herbert averaged just 7.7 yards per attempt. Last season, LA’s defense ranked first in yards allowed, second in punts allowed and third in rushing yards allowed, while Vegas’ defense ranked 4th in yards per carry allowed and 3rd in third down conversion rate. In addition, the Chargers’ interior offensive line is a disaster Tyler Wee out for the season. Cole Strange allowed five pressures in Week 1, and they are facing a Raiders pass rush that recorded five sacks against Malik Willis five times. Raiders likely still without Brock Bowers. It all adds up to two tough offenses with two quality defenses. It has all the makings of a low-scoring, bare-bones affair. Thus, leagues in Under.
Why the Bears Week 1 win was an anomaly
Bears fans, don’t get your hopes up just yet! Paul Pabst and Andrew Parloff examine the Chicago Bears’ win over the Carolina Panthers and why Bears fans shouldn’t count on the Bears to repeat their win.
Raiders vs. Chargers: Betting Trends and Stats
- The Chargers are 0-1 against the spread this season
- The Raiders are 1-0 against the spread this season
- LA is 0-1 in OVERs this season
- Las Vegas is 0-1 in OVER this season
Quarterback matchup: Raiders vs. Chargers
- Vegas: Kirk Cousins
2026 stats: 1GP, 160 passing yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, 88.2 passer rating - LA Chargers: Justin Herbert
2026 Stats: 1GP, 178 Passing Yards, 1 TD, 3 INT, 54.9 Passer Rating
Raiders vs. Chargers: Best Playmakers
Raiders
- RB Ashton Jeanty
2026 Stats: 1GP, 23 carries for 102 yds / 6 receptions on 6 targets for 45 yds, 2 TD - THE Michael Mayer
2026 Stats: 1GP, 6 Catches on 7 Targets for 32 Yds, 0 TD - WR Jalen Nailor
2026 Stats: 1GP, 3 catches on 5 targets for 27 Yds, 0 TD
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- RB Omarion Hampton
2026 Stats: 1GP, 12 carries for 43 Yds, 1 TD - WR Ladd McConkey
2026 Stats: 1GP, 5 Catches on 7 Targets for 82 Yds, 1 TD - THE David Njoku
2026 Stats: 1GP, 5 Catches on 5 Targets for 58 Yds, 0 TD
Raiders vs. Chargers: Injury update
Raiders
- THE Brock Bowers (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game
- CB Darien Porter (leg) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game
loader
- WR Ladd McConkey (ribs) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game
- WR Darius Davis (undisclosed) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game
- FS Elijah Molden (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game
- CB Deane Leonard (undisclosed) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game
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