The NFL schedule is now going to include Thursday games for the rest of the season, and it begins this week with an AFC West rivalry as San Diego hosts Oakland in a matchup of two teams that desperately need a win. All four teams are within a win of each other in a mediocre division, so every game means a little more in the West.Raiders Chargers Odds – Thursday, 8:20 PM ET
The Raiders (4-4) had a terrible second half in a 38-24 loss at home to Denver, as they were outscored 31-7 after halftime, and sportsbook reviews of this game would tell you that the Raiders beat themselves with three turnovers, 15 penalties and poor special teams that gave up the go-ahead score on a punt return. Carson Palmer was 19-of-35 for 332 yards and three touchdowns, but he was also picked off three times and the Raiders really missed the injured Darren McFadden as they may have gone to the air more than they wanted to. But the defense allowed 299 yards on the ground and that allowed Denver to take pressure off Tim Tebow, which is the opposite of what Oakland wanted to do.
The Chargers (4-4) made their own mistakes in a 45-38 loss at home to Green Bay, as Philip Rivers had three picks to spoil an otherwise great performance. Rivers went 26-of-46 for 385 yards and four touchdowns, but when two of your three touchdowns are run back for scores, your price per head odds are going to drop. The defense had no answer for Aaron Rodgers, but not many teams have as of late. It’s tough to put this loss solely on Rivers, but after he fumbled away a likely win in Kansas City last Monday, San Diego fans may be starting to panic.
Per head odds aren’t up for this game yet as the Raiders are awaiting to hear if McFadden can play this week, but the Chargers should be favored at home with records of 4-1 SU and 2-3 ATS in their last five meetings with the Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium, with four games falling under the posted total (along with a push). If you’re looking for an SU bet, take the Chargers to recover at home as the Raiders make too many unforced errors to make up for an offense that is trying to get Palmer up to speed. The Chargers will also be able to run with Mike Tolbert, and that limits Rivers’ mistakes. Between turnovers and penalties, the Raiders constantly shoot themselves in the foot and that will be the difference on Thursday. Take San Diego in your sports betting picks.
