This should be a good one. These two clubs typically play each other close with 7 of the last 9 contests decided by 7 points or less.
Oakland and Rich Gannon, in particular, are on fire. But they were also on fire during their earlier four-game winning streak that was followed by four straight losses. You still don’t know what you are going to get with the Raiders. One of those four losses was a home loss to these Chargers.
I am worried about the Charger’s weak pass defense against these Raiders but I have faith in Marty Schottenheimer figuring out a way to disrupt Gannon and company enough. Besides, LaDainian Tomlinson should keep the ball away from the Raiders offense long enough. Any questions about LT after putting up 220 yards against the league’s stingiest run defense? He will strike fear into the Raider’s defense. If the Raiders put 8 or more in the box to contain him, QB Drew Brees is good enough to make a worse-than-average Raiders passing defense pay.
The Chargers qualify for a 42-19 trend involving winning home dogs playing other winning teams.
San Diego wins at home. They are 5-1 straight up at home this year including three upset wins as dogs. In a game that can go either way and might be destined to overtime, I’ll take the home team getting a field goal.