NFL Week 1 Odds, Picks & Predictions: Raiders vs. Chargers Game Preview (2022)
The Chargers are opening their season at home against the Las Vegas Raiders. These teams met twice last year, and the home team won both games. Their second meeting was in the final game of the season, and a win meant a playoff berth for one of them. However, if a tie had occurred, both teams would have made the playoffs.
The game went into overtime after the Chargers stormed back from a 29 to 14 deficit with 4:35 left in the game. With only 38 seconds left in overtime, the Raiders had third-and-four from the Chargers’ 39-yard line when the Chargers called a timeout. It seemed as if the Raiders were taking their time, and if stopped on that play, they probably let the clock run out, and both teams would move on. They ran the ball with Josh Jacobs on the next play and picked up the first down. The Raiders inevitably called a timeout with only two seconds remaining and made the field goal, which eliminated the Chargers from the playoffs.
Los Angeles has likely circled this game on its calendar since the schedule was announced. It will not be hard for them to find a source of motivation to beat the Raiders on Sunday. Injuries, per usual, and offseason acquisitions will affect the outcome significantly this season as each team has made improvements to its roster.
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Here are the odds (courtesy of FanDuel Sports Book)
- Opening line: -4
- Current line: -3.5
- Total: 52.5
Key Offseason Additions
The Raiders made some drastic changes to their organization this offseason. They hired Josh McDaniels as their head coach and acquired Davante Adams via trade with the Green Bay Packers. Coming off a 10.5 sack season, Chandler Jones was also signed to a three-year contract. They also replaced their general manager and both coordinators.
The Chargers signed J.C. Jackson to a five-year contract in the offseason. He had eight interceptions last season and nine in 2020. Last year, he also led the league in passes defended with 23. They selected Zion Johnson in the draft’s first round and expect him to start at right guard. Khalil Mack, obtained in a trade with the Bears, will also be paired with Joey Bosa to form a dynamic pass-rushing duo.
Both teams made improvements, but the Chargers already had a top-tier offense (scored the fifth most points last season). The Raiders should improve offensively with Adams reuniting with his college quarterback at Fresno State, Derek Carr. They were a middle-of-the-pack offense last season and did not run the ball well (averaged 3.9 yards per attempt). However, McDaniels will likely use a pass-happy scheme that features Adams, Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow.
Is J.C. Jackson playing?
J.C. Jackson underwent ankle surgery on Aug. 23. His estimated return is two-to-four weeks, so if he returns sooner, he can be back on the practice field before midweek. He is arguably the most important player for the Chargers on Sunday, considering he will likely shadow (59.6% shadow rating) Adams for most of the game. It will depend on his health to determine how big of an impact he can have on this game. He had played in 64 consecutive games before joining the Chargers, so it would not be a surprise if he returned sooner than later.
If Jackson plays, he will have his hands full with Adams. Adams posted 123 receptions for 1,553 yards last season in Green Bay and is an excellent route runner. He may not completely negate Adams, but he can limit him to minimal production. If he does not let Adams and Carr get into a groove early, the Chargers’ offense should provide enough points to win and cover.
If Jackson does not suit up, the Chargers’ defense should still be able to get pressure on Carr. They were bottom half in the league last season in sacks with 35, but Mack will help to increase that number this season. In his seven games last season, he had six sacks. He will be playing opposite Bosa (10.5 sacks last season), so he will also receive less attention.
Chargers Elite Offense
Herbert is coming off an incredible second season in which he threw for over 5,000 yards and a 38-15 touchdown-interception ratio. He improved on an impressive rookie season and looks like he is the Chargers’ franchise quarterback. His top three targets from last season are returning, so the offense should pick up where it left off. Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Austin Ekeler will receive most of the targets. They continue to draft offensive linemen to protect Herbert, and with the additions made on defense, this team is built to win now.
The Raiders gave up the league’s seventh most points (439) last season. Even with the new additions and new coordinator, Las Vegas will have a tough time stopping the Chargers from scoring. Jones and Maxx Crosby will undoubtedly be a problem up front that the offensive line will have to answer, but Allen and Williams will be able to get open. The Raiders only had six interceptions as a team last year. The Chargers will be highly motivated to get a win against the Raiders after the way their season ended last year. Look for the Chargers to win a high-scoring game against the team that ruined their playoff chances last season. The best way to take advantage is to get the spread before it is announced if Jackson is playing. Even if he does not suit up, the Chargers’ offense is dominant enough to win and cover.
The pick: Chargers -3.5
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