The first full day of NFL football in 2024 is finally here, and the Las Vegas Raiders take on the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1 action.
Here’s everything you need to know about the game today.
Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers
- Start time: Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, 4:05 p.m. ET
- Channel: CBS
- Live stream options: Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, CBS All-Access
- Radio Stations: Raider Nation Radio 920 AM, ALT FM-98.7
- Starting QBs:
- Betting lines:
- Spread: LAC -3.5
- Total: 42.5
- Moneyline: LAC -175, LV +145
After going 6-11 in 2023, a 3-5 start doomed Josh McDaniels’ tenure as the Raiders head coach. He was fired and replaced by Antonio Pierce. Pierce led the team to a 5-4 finish and eventually was chosen to take over the position permanently. However, the plan for the season is a bit confusing.
The Raiders didn’t want to pay RB Josh Jacobs, who left to sign with Green Bay in free agency. They intend to roll with Zamir White and Alexander Mattison as the duo in the backfield. They still have Davante Adams but are relying on Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker behind him. Finally, instead of rolling with Aidan O’Connell, Las Vegas brought in Gardner Minshew II this offseason and plans on going with the veteran over O’Connell.
The defense got quite a boost by signing former Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins to a four-year, $110 million contract while resigning DTs John Jenkins and Adam Butler. Wilkins pairs with three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Maxx Crosby for a solid defensive front.
While the defense seems to have a strong identity, the offense is still searching for one, especially with Jacobs’ departure.
The Chargers also hired a new head coach after firing Brandon Staley after a 5-9 start and losing to the Raiders 63-21 on “Thursday Night Football.” After weeks of speculation, Los Angeles hired Jim Harbaugh to take over head coaching duties in the offseason.
While many believe Harbaugh will be a better leader for QB Justin Herbert, the early preseason results took some time. After two straight losses to start the Harbaugh era with minimal offensive production, the Chargers finally figured things out and beat the Cowboys 26-19 in the final preseason matchup.
However, Herbert’s cast has vastly changed from last season. RB Austin Ekeler went to the Commanders, WR Keenan Allen was traded to the Bears, and Mike Williams signed a one-year contract with the Jets. WRs Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston return for another season, and the Chargers added a few new weapons for Herbert, signing DJ Chark Jr. and drafting Ladd McConkey as the 34th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
As for Ekeler’s replacement, the Chargers became the Ravens of the West Coast, signing both Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins in the offseason to headline the backfield. Kimani Vidal, a 2024 sixth-round pick, and Hassan Haskins, a former Michigan Wolverine, provided depth. Additionally, Los Angeles selected offensive tackle Joe Alt as the fifth pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to strengthen a talented offensive line further.
Raiders at Chargers Betting Preview
The Las Vegas Raiders have had a quieter offseason by comparison, but they also enter the season with a new full-time head coach, an offensive coordinator, and likely a new quarterback under center. All that cumulative change makes this a really tough game to break down and pick a side.
For more betting analysis, make sure to check out PFN’s Week 1 picks and predictions.