The AFC West is loaded this year and we see two teams that played late last year for a playoff birth meeting here in week 1 and on paper both sides have improved. They split their meetings last year with the Chargers taking control defensively in the first matchup holding the Raiders to 14 points, and season finale it was the Raiders in overtime.
Derek Carr reunites with Devante Adams as they played two years together at Fresno St. That brings together possibly the most talented group of receivers in the league combined with Waller who may be the best receiving tight end in the NFL. Going back to last year before the Henry Ruggs car wreck Carr was at the top of the league in passing. I would expect that the offense will flourish between Josh McDaniels and the way the entire receiving corps looked in the preseason. Carr has a passer rating of 92.4 with 3,511 yards, 22 touchdowns and 9 interceptions in 16 games and is 8-8 vs. the Chargers.
The Chargers bring in Mack on defense to a team that was an overtime away from the playoffs last year. Herbert has a passer rating of 99.7 with 1,245 yards, 10 touchdowns and 1 interception in 4 games vs. the Raiders yet has managed a 2-2 record out of those great stats.
All signs point to these two teams most likely splitting the two games between them again. The consensus money is split 54% on the Chargers and 46% on the Raiders with a line move or adjustment opening at -4 and now -3. That’s where this game sits at home field giving 3 points and this being an even game. If your betting this one just know that going in these are two evenly matched opponents who are familiar as one can be with each other. This being game 1 under a new coach with a few new weapons I give a slight advantage to the Raiders here as they may bring a few new wrinkles to the matchup under offensive genius Josh McDaniels. My prediction 30-28 Raiders.