For the second time in as many weeks, the Los Angeles Chargers face an AFC West foe in prime time.
The pregame narrative: Justin Herbert looked great in L.A.'s season-opening win, and he should be able to keep that momentum rolling into a matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. On the home team's side, I'm looking to fade Ashton Jeanty as a receiver.
Check out my Chargers vs. Raiders picks for Monday Night Football Week 2 on Sept. 15.
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Chargers vs. Raiders picks
Best Bet: Herbert over 1.5 passing TDs (-124)
The Chargers were a notably run-heavy team last year. They ranked 10th in the NFL in run play percentage (44.91%).
L.A. sure didn't look like a run-heavy team in Week 1, though, as Herbert aired it out for 318 yards and three touchdowns on 34 attempts.
In the run game, rookie Omarion Hampton led the way with 15 of the team's 25 carries.
Maybe Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh doesn't want to put too much on the plate of his rookie running back in the early stages of the season. And either way, one game certainly doesn't make a trend.
But I liked the volume (and production) put forth by Herbert in the season opener. Hopefully, there's more of that to come.
Las Vegas was tougher last year against the run than against the pass, which is another reason to like Herbert's opportunity.
According to RBSDM.com, the Raiders' defence ranked 18th in dropback success rate and seventh in rushing success rate.
Also, when Herbert played in Las Vegas last season, he threw for 346 yards and two TDs.
Key stat: Herbert has averaged exactly 2.0 passing TDs in nine career starts against the Raiders.
More Monday Night Football picks
Chargers -3 (-124): Both the Chargers and Raiders covered and won as underdogs in Week 1. But L.A.'s win was more impressive in my book.
The Chargers beat the reigning AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs on a neutral field in Brazil. The Raiders, meanwhile, beat a New England Patriots team that won just four games last season.
Herbert has solid career numbers vs. the Raiders, with a 101.4 passer rating, 18 touchdowns and just two interceptions in nine games.
With Herbert under centre, the Chargers have covered a -3 spread in five of nine games vs. the Raiders (and pushed once).
The Chargers covered as favourites in both matchups against the Raiders last year, winning by a combined score of 66-30.
Jeanty under 20.5 receiving yards (-120): Brock Bowers missed practice on Thursday and Friday, which puts him at serious risk of missing Monday's game. That could mean more opportunities in the passing game for Jeanty, but I'm not interested at this number.
- In Week 1, Jeanty caught both of his targets for just two total receiving yards.
- Elsewhere, the Chargers held New England's running backs to a combined 13 receiving yards (four catches, six targets).
Jeanty led NCAA Division I in carries (374) and rushing yards (2,601) last year. But he wasn't particularly involved as a receiver.
In 14 games for Boise State, Jeanty had just 23 catches for 138 yards (9.9 YPG). He went under this prop total in 12 of 14 matchups.
Chargers vs. Raiders picks made at 3:11 p.m. ET 09/13/2025.
