Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas (-11 40.5)
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Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas - Sunday, January 5, 2025
The Las Vegas Raiders are far from playoff contenders this season, and Los Angeles has already clinched a spot in the playoffs, but there's still something to fight for in this one.
The Chargers are looking to upgrade to the fifth seed in the AFC, and If they can find a way to win in Las Vegas, and the Pittsburgh Steelers lose this week, the Chargers can steal that seed. If Pittsburgh beats the Bengals on Saturday, they clinch the fifth seed, and Los Angeles will stay at six.
If you're wondering why a one-seed difference is a huge deal, it's because it's the difference between playing MVP candidate Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens in the wildcard round, or the Houston Texans. The banged-up and inconsistent Texans are undoubtedly a more desirable first round opponent for the Chargers, although there will be many neutral fans out there rooting for the second Harbowl of the season.
The Chargers offense looks to continue its hot streak after a 40-point performance against the New England Patriots in week 17 and a 34-point performance against the Denver Broncos in week 16. Los Angeles has been great at limiting mistakes this season, boasting the lowest interception rate in the NFL at just 0.63%, thanks to Herbert's 21 touchdowns and just three interceptions. The Chargers average just 205.8 passing yards per game, 21st in the NFL, and have a completion percentage of 64.98% this season, 16th in the league.
While their offensive numbers don't jump off of the page, some of their defensive numbers certainly do. The Chargers allow just 17.6 points per game, the least out of any defense in the league. They have been incredible in the red zone, allowing touchdowns on just 44.74% of their opponent's red zone drives, ranking first in the NFL. They also lead the NFL in touchdowns allowed per game with 1.8, meaning the Raiders should have a tough time putting points on the board this weekend.
Scoring is something that the Las Vegas Raiders have struggled with at the best of times, averaging just 18.1 points per game, 28th in the NFL. The Raiders' run game has been terrible in 2024, averaging a league-worst 82.4 yards per game, and a league-worst 3.6 yards per carry. They can find some success through the air, averaging 223.3 passing yards per game, 13th best amongst NFL offenses. This is thanks to some timed performances by Aidan O'Connell, who has certainly played well enough to earn himself a long career in the NFL as a backup. He passed for 242 yards and 2 scores last week against New Orleans.
Although the Chargers will be on the road, they couldn't have asked for a much better opponent in week 18 as they look to steal the fifth seed in the AFC. Los Angeles opens up as five-point favorites, but the Raiders will be eager to give them a challenge after winning their last two games.
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If Steelers Lose Chargers 1st Half Spread and Full Game