The Los Angeles Chargers (1-0) and Las Vegas Raiders (1-0) play the second game of the Monday Night Football doubleheader on September 15 to close NFL Week 2. Kickoff is set for 10:00 p.m. ET from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev. The game will broadcast live on ESPN.
The Chargers are favored by 3.5 points on the spread with the game total set at 46.5. The Chargers are -185 moneyline favorites and the Raiders are +155 to pull off the upset.
With the AFC West shaping up to be highly competitive, winning this game could go a long way to potentially dethroning the Chiefs for the Chargers and Raiders. Though Los Angeles put up a strong performance against the Chiefs in Brazil, the value on Monday night is on the Raiders.
Find my Chargers vs Raiders prediction for Monday Night Football below.
Chargers vs Raiders Prediction
- Chargers vs Raiders pick: Raiders +3.5
My Chargers vs Raiders best bet is the Raiders to cover the spread. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NFL odds page.
Chargers vs Raiders Odds
| Chargers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3.5 -105 | 46.5 -110o / -110u | -185 |
| Raiders Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3.5 -115 | 46.5 -110o / -110u | +155 |
Chargers vs. Raiders Monday Night Football Preview
Geno Smith has changed the landscape of the Raiders’ organization, so it’s worth digging into his level of play in his Las Vegas debut.
On the surface, Smith impressed with his numbers, going 24-of-34 for 362 passing yards, but it was the way he attacked all areas of the field that really stood out. Smith completed 10 passes near the hash marks in the middle of the field, nine toward the right sideline and five near the left sideline.
Smith also pushed the ball down the field with success, completing 4-of-5 attempts that traveled 20 yards past the line of scrimmage. According to Sharp Football, 14.5% of Vegas’ offensive plays gained 20+ yards against the Patriots a week ago, which was the second-highest rate in the league, and nearly triple the rate the Raiders offense posted in 2024.
It gives me confidence that Pete Carroll and the coaching staff realize where their bread is going to be buttered this year. The Raiders had the second-highest neutral game-script passing rate in Week 1 — and for good reason. More than 70% of Smith’s attempts went for either a first down or a touchdown, which was the highest rate of any quarterback to open the season.
The Chargers offense will not be easy to defend as a healthy Justin Herbert looks locked in to begin 2025 — but the Bolts may be more one-dimensional than the usual Jim Harbaugh squad.
Lead running back Omarion Hampton failed to gain positive yards on 33% of his carries in Week 1, netting just 0.6 yards per rush before contact. The Raiders defense allowed the Patriots' backs to gain just 3.5 yards per carry on the ground a week ago. I do not expect either running game to find difference-making success.
Looking at the entirety of Action Labs’ data, home underdogs of 3-6 points in Week 2 have covered at a 59% rate dating back to 2003. This trend is not just specific to Week 2, either.
Looking at all of September's games, home underdogs inside of the division of 3.5 or more points are 44-30 (59.5%) with a 13.9% ROI. Over the previous five seasons, in addition to including one game last week that fits into this category (Browns +5.5), the cover rate for these teams has only increased, going 12-5-1 (70.6% ATS).
The environment in Vegas may not be conducive to a strong home-field advantage for the Raiders, but it has mattered in this specific rivalry.
The Chargers are just 2-3 straight up when playing Las Vegas on the road, and one of those wins came in overtime by three points.
Chargers vs Raiders Prediction, Betting Analysis
The simple analysis is that there is a level of uncertainty with how teams are taking shape to begin a new season that makes taking the points a profitable endeavor long-term.
The Chargers are riding high after that win over the Chiefs in Brazil — 60% of bettors are with them to win with margin against the Raiders on Monday night, which makes it a perfect opportunity to back the home underdog.
Pick: Raiders +3.5
Spread
As mentioned, I like Raiders' spread line for this matchup.
Moneyline
I will not be betting on either side of the moneyline.
Over/Under
I'm also staying away from game total.
