Los Angeles at Las Vegas

The San Diego Chargers finally put together a big effort last week, drubbing the Cardinals 41-10. But don't let that blind you from the fact that this team has two outright losses on the season as a favorite. The Chargers have been a tale of two teams as their week 1-5 record over the last six seasons has been 15-15 (17-17 counting this season), and from week six on they are an amazing 52-14. They have started four of the last five seasons at 2-3, and sitting at 2-2 this year are we looking at another no-show effort for the Chargers? Regardless of that, the Raiders finally got rid of JaMarcus Russell and they are better now and will be better long term for the move. The Raiders’ offense was a joke a year ago as they managed to score 13 points or less in 11 of their 16 games. The improvements are already evident in this season, as through four games the Raiders attack has scored 13+ in all of them - a far cry from what we saw a year ago. They still have a way to go but they are better. The Chargers are likely to exploit the Raiders No. 32 ranked run defense, which will help shorten the game (good for underdog). Oakland has not allowed a single team to accumulate more than 200 passing yards. The Chargers have not been a good road favorite where they are 2-7 ATS in their last nine, and have not followed up well after a big defensive performance as they are 1-7 ATS after allowing 15 points or less in their last game. The Raiders have been tough after an ATS loss where they have come back to go 7-1 ATS in their last eight. Against bad teams (.400 or worse), Norv Turner-coached teams are just 13-27 ATS. The Chargers tend to only win when their back is against the wall and it isn't here. I like Oakland in this one.