An AFC West matchup kicks things off for week 15 of the National Football League, with the Chargers heading to Sin City to take on the Raiders. With franchise quarterback Justin Herbert sidelined for the season after fracturing his finger last week, we get the massive clash between Easton Stick and Aidan O’Connell. Sign me up!
Below, we will dissect the matchup, previewing how we think things will play out, and give out our NFL Best Bet. Make sure you are following Before You Bet, as we will have dedicated NFL betting tips for all primetime NFL games this season, as well as a preview of the main NFL slate on Mondays. All for free!
NFL Week 15 Preview & Betting Tips
Los Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas Raiders
Allegiant Stadium, Friday 15th December, 12:15pm (AEDT)
Last Week
The Raiders played in the lowest scoring indoor game in the history of the NFL last week, as they went down 3-0 to the Vikings at home. After only managing 197 yards of total offense, the Raiders were heavily dependant on their underrated defence to keep them in the game. They did so for as long as possible, but the Vikings eventually managed a game-winning drive with two minutes remaining in the final quarter. Aidan O’Connell will remain at quarterback, and with Josh Jacobs in doubt, this could be another tough game for this Raiders offense.
As for the Chargers, they had an even tougher week, as they not only lost their game last week to the Broncos 24-7 at home, but their franchise quarterback Justin Herbert left the field in the second quarter with a fractured finger, only to since undergo surgery which has ruled him out for the season. The Chargers weren’t terrible in terms of yardage, however, were unable to covert a single third down in the entire game, which was easily enough for them to lose comfortably. With Easton Stick taking over as QB1, this offense could be terrible going forward.
Injury Report
Las Vegas Raiders
Brittain Brown / Austin Walter (RB) – OUT
Darien Butler / Kana’i Mauga (LB) – OUT
Dalton Wagner (OT) – OUT
Josh Jacobs (RB) – Questionable
Amik Robertson (CB) – Questionable
Maxx Crosby (DE) – Questionable
Kolton Miller (OT) – Questionable
Curtis Bolton (LB) – Questionable
Andre James (C) – Questionable
Adam Butler (DT) – Questionable
Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert (QB) – OUT
Corey Linsley (C) – OUT
Zack Bailey (OT) - OUT
Joey Bosa / Tanner Muse / Chris Rumph II (LB) – OUT
Mike Williams (WR) – OUT
Raheem Layne (SAF) – OUT
Amen Ogbongbemiga (LB) – Questionable
Sebastian Joseph-Day / Nick Williams / Otitio Ogbonnia (DT) – Questionable
Deane Leonard (CB) – Questionable
Keenan Allen (WR) – Questionable
Gerald Everett / Donald Parham Jr. (TE) – Questionable
Match Preview
The Chargers beat the Raiders in week 4 this season, winning 24-17 at home. The Chargers won the turnover battle 3-1, with the Raiders only managing to covert 9.1% of third downs. The teams have alternated their last 5 matchups, with the Chargers winning 3 of the 5. Aidan O’Connell did start the previous game, but Justin Herbert was also playing, so I can’t take too much from the matchup.
This number has changed massively since the lookahead, for obvious reasons. With Herbert out, the Chargers went from a 4-point favourite on the lookahead, to a 3-point dog at re-open. The Chargers have taken some money; however, they remain an expensive 3-point underdog. I make the Raiders a 3.5-point favourite but given how valuable the 3 is in a game like this, I don’t see any value on the Raiders to cover. If this ever manages to get to Raiders -2.5, I will probably play it.
As for the total, it also changed for obvious reasons. After being 42.5 on the lookahead, it dropped to 34.5 at open, with under money dropping this total to 33.5. The over has been bet, to where the number now sits at 34/34.5. It’s hard to make a fair total here, given the complete unknown at quarterback for the Chargers and the fact Josh Jacobs may miss for the Raiders. However, despite the low total, I’m going to have to take the under here. After watching the Raiders performance last week, and the fact they haven’t scored more than 17 points since week 9, it’s hard to see the over hitting here. I believe it will take at least one defensive or special teams’ touchdown for the total to sniff 35 points, so we go again on the under in prime time.
Under 34.5 total points
$1.92 (1.5 Units)
