Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers 9/11/22 - NFL Picks & Predictions

By: Lance |

Last Updated: 09/10/2022 at 11:50 PM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders will open up their season at SoFi Stadium against the Los Angeles Chargers in a battle of AFC West opponents. This is a rematch of the final game of the regular season of what was a win (or tie) and you’re in game, with the Raiders winning in overtime 35-32. The Chargers finished 1-3 in their last four games and dropped to 9-8 on the year. Las Vegas won their last four games to sneak into the playoffs but were bounced in the first round by the Bengals.

Las Vegas will return many of the key players of last year’s team including starting quarterback Derrick Carr. Carr completed 68.4% of his passes for 4,804 yards and 23 touchdowns last season, and he should be even better with the addition of Davante Adams. Adams and Carr were teammates in college and now Carr will benefit from having one of the best wide receivers in the NFL to pair with Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller. 

The Raiders' defense had some problems last season and finished in the bottom half of the league in total and scoring defense, including 29th in the league in scoring offense. Las Vegas didn’t have any picks before the third round so the defense will likely continue to struggle this season, especially in a conference with three of the best offenses in the NFL.

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The Chargers figure to be one of the best teams in the NFL this season after falling short last season. Justin Herbert is back at the helm after a fantastic season as a 23-year-old last year. Herbert completed 65.9% of his passes for 5,014 yards and 38 touchdowns, he was right in the mix for the MVP and will be again this season. 

The Chargers' weapons are still impressive including Austin Ekeler who had 1,558yards from scrimmage and 20 touchdowns, if he can stay healthy he projects as one of the best in the league. Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are back, both had over 1,000 yards last season and should be among the better wide-out duos in the league this season. 

Los Angeles really beefed up the defense this offseason which was their downfall last season. The Chargers added Khalil Mack to pair with Joey Bosa to beef up the pass rush, added to the interior defensive line to boost the run defense, and added J.C. Jackson to the secondary. They also resigned Derwin James to the biggest deal for safety in NFL history.

It’s time for the Chargers to produce and there are no more excuses for Brandon Staley and Justin Herbert. They need to at the very least make the playoffs, but that should be the floor for this much-improved roster. It’s a tough division as shown by opening up the season against a solid Raiders team, but they’re able to get the win in the season opener. Las Vegas is going to take some time to click, and the Chargers are able to jump off to a solid start this season with a win. Final score prediction, Chargers win and cover ATS 31-27.
 

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