Chargers at Raiders: Predictions, picks, odds for NFL Week 18 game
The Los Angeles Chargers may have secured a playoff berth, but they aren't out of the woods yet. See, as it stands, the Chargers can either waltz into the postseason with either the AFC's No. 5 or No. 6 seed (depending on whether or not the Pittsburgh Steelers win). Should the Chargers lose this weekend, their first-round opponent would likely be the Baltimore Ravens, a very tough matchup. Should they win, they'd face a struggling Houston Texans team in the first round.
That should give the Chargers enough motivation to give Sunday their all. However, the Las Vegas Raiders may have other plans. Divisional games always tend to be closer than expected, and if the Raiders get the opportunity to ruin one of their rivals' plans, they'll take that opportunity in a heartbeat.
Here are our experts' predictions for this AFC West showdown.
Raiders vs. Chargers odds, moneyline, over/under
The Chargers are favorites to defeat the Raiders, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Not interested in this game? Check out expert picks and best bets for every NFL game this week.
- Spread: Chargers (-4.5)
- Moneyline: Chargers (-225); Raiders (+180)
- Over/under: 41
NFL Week 18 odds, predictions and picks
Cardinals vs. 49ers | Falcons vs. Panthers | Ravens vs. Browns | Cowboys vs. Commanders | Broncos vs. Chiefs | Lions vs. Vikings | Packers vs. Bears | Colts vs. Jaguars | Rams vs. Seahawks | Raiders vs. Chargers | Patriots vs. Bills | Jets vs. Dolphins | Eagles vs. Giants | Steelers vs. Bengals | Buccaneers vs. Saints | Titans vs. Texans
Lorenzo Reyes: Chargers 23, Raiders 10
It’s simply hard to back the Raiders here, given their relative inability to be competitive against better teams, even if Los Angeles rests players.
Richard Morin: Chargers 31, Raiders 13
The Raiders' roster is way too suspect to back here, especially with something still at stake for the Chargers.
Jordan Mendoza: Chargers 24, Raiders 20
There’s a chance Los Angeles gets the No. 5 seed in the AFC. The Raiders have suddenly looked like a competent team, but the Chargers' defense halts any momentum going on in Las Vegas.