Las Vegas Raiders (0-0) vs. Los Angeles Chargers (0-0)
The 2024 NFL season kicks off with an exciting matchup in the AFC West, as the Las Vegas Raiders take on their rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers, at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Fans are eager to see how each team will perform in this critical opening game.
The Chargers are favored by 3 points, with a total over/under set at 40.5 points. In their previous season, these teams faced off twice, splitting the series. The Chargers won their first meeting 24-17 as home favorites, while the Raiders delivered a stunning 63-21 victory in Las Vegas, easily covering the spread.
Raiders Look to Build on Last Season’s Momentum
The Las Vegas Raiders finished the 2023 season with an 8-9 record, falling short of the playoffs for the second consecutive year. After a difficult start, the organization decided to part ways with head coach Josh McDaniels, promoting linebackers coach Antonio Pierce to interim head coach.
Under Pierce’s leadership, the Raiders improved their performance, finishing the season with a 5-4 record and allowing the fewest points in the league (16.0 per game). With Pierce now confirmed as head coach, they aim to continue this defensive success, supported by Patrick Graham as the defensive coordinator and Luke Getsy as the new offensive coordinator, who previously held a similar role with the Chicago Bears.
In 2024, the Raiders will rely heavily on their defense. Quarterback Gardner Minshew, who had a productive season with the Indianapolis Colts, is expected to lead the offense. Minshew will look to connect with wide receiver Davante Adams, who had an impressive 1,144 receiving yards and eight touchdowns last year.
The Raiders did experience a significant loss with star running back Josh Jacobs leaving for the Green Bay Packers. Now, Zamir White and Alexander Mattison will share the backfield duties, with Mattison coming off a season where he rushed for 700 yards with the Minnesota Vikings.
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Chargers Begin a New Chapter with Jim Harbaugh
The Los Angeles Chargers have made headlines by hiring Jim Harbaugh as their new head coach. Coming off a national championship win with the Michigan Wolverines, Harbaugh has high expectations as he takes over a team that struggled last season.
In 2023, the Chargers ended the season with a disappointing 5-12 record. Following a significant loss to the Raiders, the team decided to move on from head coach Brandon Staley. Justin Herbert, the team’s star quarterback, faced injury challenges last season, missing the last four games due to a finger issue. He had also battled a plantar fascia injury during training camp.
Herbert’s 2023 statistics included a 65.1% completion rate, 3,134 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Keeping him healthy will be a priority, especially after the departures of key players like running back Austin Ekeler and wide receiver Keenan Allen. Ekeler has joined the Washington Commanders, while Allen has signed with the Chicago Bears.
To bolster their offense, the Chargers have acquired running backs Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins. With the addition of center Bradley Bozeman and right tackle Joe Alt, the Chargers are expected to focus on a stronger ground game under Harbaugh’s leadership. Greg Roman, formerly of the Baltimore Ravens, will serve as the new offensive coordinator.
On defense, the Chargers hope to see a healthy Joey Bosa and a repeat performance from Khalil Mack, who excelled last season with 17 sacks, 21 tackles for loss, and five forced fumbles. Jesse Minter, who previously worked with Harbaugh at Michigan, is the new defensive coordinator.
Best Bets for Las Vegas Raiders vs. Los Angeles Chargers
For this matchup, the Raiders are expected to keep the game competitive and potentially cover the spread. They retain a strong defensive core from last year, complemented by the signing of defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, a highly sought-after free agent.
The Chargers’ offensive line may appear solid, but the Raiders’ defensive line boasts enough talent to challenge their offensive plays. Maxx Crosby, a standout player, aims to continue his impressive performance after achieving 27 sacks in the last two seasons.
With the Chargers losing significant offensive talent, including Keenan Allen, Austin Ekeler, and Mike Williams, they face an uphill battle in replacing these key players. Additionally, Raiders fans are expected to outnumber Chargers supporters at SoFi Stadium, making the environment even more intense. A close contest is anticipated as both teams battle for early-season momentum.
