NFL Picks, Predictions Week 2: Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Travis Wakeman

NFL Picks, Predictions Week 2: Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders image

The Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders will renew their rivalry in a key AFC West battle on Monday Night Football. Both teams are 1-0 and coming off impressive wins in Week 1.

After playing perhaps his best game thus far in the NFL, Justin Herbert will be looking for an encore against the Raiders. The Chargers will encounter several new Raiders in this one including Geno Smith and Ashton Jeanty, but the team is also coached by Pete Carroll, a longtime rival of Jim Harbaugh. 

It sets up as a very intriguing early-season game. How do the experts see this one going?

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders Week 2 predictions 

Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: Chargers 27, Raiders 20

"Jim Harbaugh and Pete Carroll renew their Pac-12 and NFC West rivalry on the sidelines for two 1-0 teams in the AFC West. The offenses also are much more balanced and explosive. Justin Herbert has a little more on his side and in the battle of rookie running backs, Omarion Hampton has it better than Asthon Jeanty in this matchup."

Bill Bender, The Sporting News: Chargers 24, Raiders 17

"The Jim Harbaugh-Pete Carroll dynamic is back with two AFC West rivals. Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (knee) is an injury worth watching, but this should be the same-as-usual heated matchup. Justin Herbert is 2-2 S/U in four career road starts against the Raiders. Get ready for a tight one-score game."

Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Chargers 23, Raiders 20

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Chargers 31, Raiders 30

"The Raiders are home for the first time, while the Chargers are back out on the road after beating the Chiefs in Brazil. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert was outstanding in that game, which I think will continue here. Raiders quarterback Geno Smith played well in his team's victory over the Patriots, so look for him to keep up with Herbert. The Chargers will win a tight shootout."

Jim Breech, CBS Sports: Chargers 31, Raiders 23

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Travis Wakeman

Travis Wakeman has been covering the NFL since 2012 when he started with Bleacher Report. After reporting about the Broncos there until 2016, he joined the FanSided network as a site expert covering the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers while simultaneously covering the Broncos at Broncos Wire when that site launched. He then took over the Broncos site at FanSided in March 2020 and covered the team there until spring of 2024. A lifelong Broncos fan and fan of the game, Travis is filled with sometimes useless NFL knowledge, but it always serves him well in any trivia contest. You can follow him on Twitter/X @traviswakeman10.