Los Angeles Chargers vs Las Vegas Raiders Prediction & Picks - NFL

Prediction published on 9/18/26, 4:05 PM  by Bill Christy | Modified on 9/18/26 at 4:10 PM in NFL Picks

The Los Angeles Chargers and the Las Vegas Raiders will meet on Sunday afternoon in Los Angeles. Most expected one of these teams to begin the season with a win and the other with a loss. However, it was the opposite of what those expected.

The Chargers are coming off an atrocious start to the season. They faced a Cardinals team as almost a double-digit favorite and lost by more than they were favored. Justin Herbert was sacked 3 times and completed just 63% of his passes in the 26-14 loss. The only statistical category they led in the game was in penalties. The offensive line looks to be their biggest problem, as their backfield was only able to gain a total of 52 yards on the ground.

Vegas had a much better performance in their season opener. They defeated the Miami Dolphins by 2 touchdowns and saw their young running back, Ashton Jeanty, finish with 147 total yards and 2 touchdowns. The defense sacked Malik Willis 5 times and picked up an interception and a fumble. Veteran Kirk Cousins played well in his 1st start as a Raider. He tossed 3 touchdown passes but was also picked off twice in the 27-13 win.