Chargers vs. Raiders: Predictions, odds and fantasy news for Thursday Night Football

Week 15 of the NFL season starts with an AFC West matchup between the Los Angeles Chargers (5-8) and Las Vegas Raiders (5-8) on Thursday Night Football. Both teams are reeling from tough losses in Week 14: Las Vegas lost the first 3-0 NFL game since 2007 and Chargers franchise quarterback Justin Herbert suffered a season-ending finger injury in a 24-7 loss.

Los Angeles has lost four of its last five games and, though technically still alive in the AFC playoff race, look out of contention thanks to losing Herbert for the final four games. Even with Herbert at quarterback, the offense has struggled in the last few weeks, scoring just 23 points over the last three games. The defense hasn't helped much, either, as Los Angeles has allowed at least 300 yards to all but one team over the last five games. Only the New England Patriots' league-worst scoring offense failed to put up at least 20 points and 300 yards.

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The Raiders have struggled as well, losing three of their last five games after firing Josh McDaniels. The good early returns in consecutive wins over the New York Giants and New York Jets faded with losses to the Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, and last week's 3-0 loss to the Vikings. Las Vegas' offense remains bottom four in the league in points and yards per game with rookie Aidan O'Connell at quarterback.

This rivalry has brought many exciting games in recent memory, like an incredible regular season finale in the 2021 season. Thursday Night Football this week likely won't bring as many thrills with Easton Stick and O'Connell starting at quarterback.

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Chargers vs. Raiders predictions:

The Arizona Republic: Chargers 21, Raiders 17

Jeremy Cluff writes: "The loser of this game takes over sole possession of last place in the AFC West. Neither team is playing well, but at least the Chargers scored some points in their most recent game."

Sportsbook Wire: Raiders 20, Chargers 17

Kevin Erickson says, "Stick has never started in the NFL. In fact, prior to last week’s relief appearance, he had attempted only 1 pass in a regular-season game. He is a talented player, and a bit of a dual-threat option, but he is awfully green."

Sporting News: Under 33.5 points

Kris Johnson writes, "With Herbert out and Jacobs possibly out or compromised, this one should be another low-scoring primetime game."

Sports Illustrated: Raiders -3

Kyle Wood says, "the extremely low total of 33.5 is enough to turn our attention toward the Raiders covering the spread, so long as it stays at three points. Las Vegas is 3–1–1 against the spread since firing Josh McDaniels and 3–2 as a favorite."

Athlon Sports: Los Angeles 20, Las Vegas 19

Staff note that Las Vegas has six wins against the spread in 2023 and just one in a game where the Raiders are favored by three or more points.

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How to watch Thursday Night Football Week 14 Chargers vs. Raiders: TV and streaming

• When: Thursday, Dec. 14

• Where: Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada

• Time: 8:15 p.m. ET/5:15 p.m. PT

• TV: N/A

• Stream: Amazon Prime

Thursday Night Football Week 15: Chargers vs. Raiders lines, betting trends

The Raiders are favorites to defeat the Chargers, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023.

Betting odds, as of Wednesday evening:

• Spread: Raiders (-3)

• Moneyline: Raiders (-150); Chargers (+125)

• Over/under: 34

Fantasy Football News:

Herbert's been a fantasy star in 2023. Per Fantasypros, he was the sixth-best quarterback in fantasy football prior to his injury in Week 14. Do not expect backup Stick to produce at the same level in the fifth-year quarterback's first career start on a short week.

This will likely affect Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen's production as well. He's been the third-best wide receiver in standard, half-PPR, and PPR leagues this season, per Fantasypros. Allen was set to likely struggle against one of the NFL's better pass defenses in the first place but with Stick under center, he'll have trouble keeping up his pace. He also sat out practice on Monday and Tuesday with a heel injury that could affect him on a short week, too, questioning his must-start status.

Chargers running back Austin Ekeler likely didn't power your fantasy football team to many wins lately, considering he's surpassed 100 yards from scrimmage just once in the last four games. He may get more carries if the Chargers lean on the run game but that hasn't been more fruitful this season. Like Allen, he's a low-end starter for the week.

By contrast, this could be a good outing for Raiders running back Josh Jacobs if he's active. The Chargers' defense has allowed 17 fantasy points per game to opposing running backs in 2023. Last week Denver running back Javonte Williams led the way with 91 total yards and a touchdown. Jacobs could be in for a big game on Thursday Night Football but he was listed as a non-participant in practice Monday and Tuesday due to a quad injury. If he's out, stash him on IR and pick up Zamir White to step up in his place.

Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams could see a big game as well. Even in the 3-0 loss Sunday, Adams managed seven catches for 53 yards. Replace the Vikings' defense with the Chargers fourth-worst passing defense by yards and his prospects greatly improve. He's a great start candidate against a reeling Chargers team on a short week at home.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chargers vs. Raiders: Predictions, odds, and fantasy news for TNF