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NFL · Sun, Sep 20 · 4:05 PM

Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers

O/U 40.5 · SPREAD Los Angeles Chargers -11.5 · SoFi Stadium

GARY'S PICK
Raiders +6.5
NFL@ Chargers· -105

Raiders
+6.5

-105 · CASHED · LV 26 · LAC 14

Chargers

The pick & result

Published pick
Las Vegas Raiders +6.5 -105
Published odds
-105
Result
Won
Final score
26-14

Odds are the American price printed with this pick, not a current offer. Wins, losses and pushes remain on the public record; a missing grade is not a win.

The line

BETMGM · 38 moves
MarketOpened
Sep 14 6:00 AM
Close
Sep 20 2:35 PM
Move
SPREADLos Angeles Chargers -7 (-105)Los Angeles Chargers -6.5 (-115)−½
TOTAL44.5 (-105)43.5 (-110)−1
MONEYLINELos Angeles Chargers -325Los Angeles Chargers -300+25
Every move, in order ›
WhenSpreadTotalMoneyline
OPENSep 14 6:00 AMLos Angeles Chargers -7 (-105)44.5 (-105)Los Angeles Chargers -325 · Las Vegas Raiders +260
Sep 14 8:01 AMLos Angeles Chargers -7 (-105)44 (-112)Los Angeles Chargers -325 · Las Vegas Raiders +260
Sep 14 9:31 AMLos Angeles Chargers -7 (-105)44 (-110)Los Angeles Chargers -325 · Las Vegas Raiders +260
Sep 14 11:32 AMLos Angeles Chargers -6.5 (-115)43.5 (-110)Los Angeles Chargers -325 · Las Vegas Raiders +260
Sep 14 1:33 PMLos Angeles Chargers -6.5 (-112)43.5 (-108)Los Angeles Chargers -325 · Las Vegas Raiders +260
Sep 14 2:03 PMLos Angeles Chargers -7 (-105)43.5 (-110)Los Angeles Chargers -325 · Las Vegas Raiders +270
Sep 14 2:33 PMLos Angeles Chargers -7 (-105)43.5 (-108)Los Angeles Chargers -325 · Las Vegas Raiders +260
Sep 14 5:03 PMLos Angeles Chargers -7 (-105)43.5 (-110)Los Angeles Chargers -325 · Las Vegas Raiders +260
Sep 15 6:00 AMLos Angeles Chargers -7 (-105)43.5 (-108)Los Angeles Chargers -325 · Las Vegas Raiders +260
Sep 15 9:31 AMLos Angeles Chargers -7 (-105)43.5 (-108)Los Angeles Chargers -325 · Las Vegas Raiders +260
Sep 15 6:01 PMLos Angeles Chargers -6.5 (-115)43.5 (-108)Los Angeles Chargers -300 · Las Vegas Raiders +250
Sep 15 9:02 PMLos Angeles Chargers -6.5 (-115)43.5 (-108)Los Angeles Chargers -300 · Las Vegas Raiders +240
Sep 15 11:02 PMLos Angeles Chargers -6.5 (-110)43.5 (-108)Los Angeles Chargers -300 · Las Vegas Raiders +240
Sep 16 6:00 AMLos Angeles Chargers -6.5 (-112)43.5 (-108)Los Angeles Chargers -295 · Las Vegas Raiders +240
Sep 16 5:18 PMLos Angeles Chargers -6.5 (-112)43.5 (-108)Los Angeles Chargers -300 · Las Vegas Raiders +240
Sep 17 6:00 AMLos Angeles Chargers -6.5 (-112)43.5 (-105)Los Angeles Chargers -300 · Las Vegas Raiders +240
Sep 18 9:00 AMLos Angeles Chargers -6.5 (-115)43.5 (-105)Los Angeles Chargers -300 · Las Vegas Raiders +240
Sep 18 11:01 AMLos Angeles Chargers -6.5 (-112)43.5 (-105)Los Angeles Chargers -295 · Las Vegas Raiders +240
Sep 18 2:03 PMLos Angeles Chargers -6.5 (-115)43.5 (-108)Los Angeles Chargers -300 · Las Vegas Raiders +250
Sep 18 3:03 PMLos Angeles Chargers -6.5 (-112)43.5 (-110)Los Angeles Chargers -300 · Las Vegas Raiders +250
Sep 18 4:04 PMLos Angeles Chargers -6.5 (-115)43.5 (-110)Los Angeles Chargers -300 · Las Vegas Raiders +250
Sep 18 8:07 PMLos Angeles Chargers -6.5 (-115)43.5 (-110)Los Angeles Chargers -295 · Las Vegas Raiders +240
Sep 19 11:19 AMLos Angeles Chargers -6.5 (-115)43.5 (-108)Los Angeles Chargers -295 · Las Vegas Raiders +240
Sep 20 12:44 AMLos Angeles Chargers -7 (-105)43.5 (-110)Los Angeles Chargers -300 · Las Vegas Raiders +250
Sep 20 1:02 AMLos Angeles Chargers -6.5 (-125)43.5 (-110)Los Angeles Chargers -300 · Las Vegas Raiders +250
Sep 20 6:00 AMLos Angeles Chargers -6.5 (-120)43.5 (-110)Los Angeles Chargers -295 · Las Vegas Raiders +240
Sep 20 7:30 AMLos Angeles Chargers -7 (-102)43.5 (-110)Los Angeles Chargers -300 · Las Vegas Raiders +250
Sep 20 8:19 AMLos Angeles Chargers -6.5 (-120)43.5 (-110)Los Angeles Chargers -300 · Las Vegas Raiders +250
Sep 20 8:51 AMLos Angeles Chargers -7 (-102)43.5 (-110)Los Angeles Chargers -300 · Las Vegas Raiders +250
Sep 20 9:00 AMLos Angeles Chargers -7 (-108)43.5 (-110)Los Angeles Chargers -300 · Las Vegas Raiders +250
Sep 20 9:41 AMLos Angeles Chargers -6.5 (-115)43.5 (-110)Los Angeles Chargers -300 · Las Vegas Raiders +250
Sep 20 10:00 AMLos Angeles Chargers -6.5 (-115)43.5 (-110)Los Angeles Chargers -300 · Las Vegas Raiders +250
Sep 20 10:25 AMLos Angeles Chargers -6.5 (-115)43.5 (-108)Los Angeles Chargers -300 · Las Vegas Raiders +250
Sep 20 12:03 PMLos Angeles Chargers -6.5 (-115)43.5 (-110)Los Angeles Chargers -300 · Las Vegas Raiders +250
Sep 20 12:25 PMLos Angeles Chargers -6.5 (-115)43.5 (-108)Los Angeles Chargers -300 · Las Vegas Raiders +250
Sep 20 12:45 PMLos Angeles Chargers -6.5 (-115)43.5 (-110)Los Angeles Chargers -300 · Las Vegas Raiders +250
Sep 20 2:05 PMLos Angeles Chargers -6.5 (-115)43.5 (-108)Los Angeles Chargers -300 · Las Vegas Raiders +250
Sep 20 2:15 PMLos Angeles Chargers -6.5 (-115)43.5 (-108)Los Angeles Chargers -300 · Las Vegas Raiders +250
CLOSESep 20 2:35 PMLos Angeles Chargers -6.5 (-115)43.5 (-110)Los Angeles Chargers -300 · Las Vegas Raiders +250

The read

SoFi hosts an AFC West matchup with the Chargers looking to respond to their opening loss and the Raiders taking their first road trip under Klint Kubiak.

Las Vegas has a credible way to keep this close: pressure Herbert without repeatedly sacrificing coverage. Against Miami, the Raiders generated pressure on 43.3% of their four-man rushes and finished with five sacks. The Chargers allowed three sacks against Arizona and averaged third-and-12. Those are opening-game results, not established tendencies, but the matchup matters: Los Angeles must improve its protection and early-down execution against a front that already demonstrated it can disrupt possessions.

The Raiders’ offensive case centers on Ashton Jeanty’s ability to contribute both ways. He rushed for 102 yards and caught six passes for 45 yards against Miami. That receiving dimension fits the specific problem Los Angeles showed: Arizona completed 16 of 18 short-middle throws against its defense. Cousins completed nine of 11 in that same area. With Elijah Molden out as a FRESH absence, tightening that coverage also requires a personnel adjustment. Brock Bowers is doubtful and expected to sit, but Las Vegas already played its opener without him; Michael Mayer caught six passes in the replacement role.

There are reasons to respect the Chargers’ response. I’m treating Ladd McConkey as available at full strength, and his five catches for 82 yards before leaving the opener showed what he brings. Las Vegas allowed a 14.0% explosive-play rate against Miami, so its defense was not airtight. Los Angeles was also within 16–14 before the blocked-punt sequence helped turn its opener into a much wider defeat.

That balance makes the points more compelling than the Raiders’ moneyline. Cousins’ two interceptions and Las Vegas’ negative early-down offensive EPA leave me less convinced about an outright win. But the combination of defensive pressure and an underneath passing matchup gives the Raiders enough ways to compete without needing one. At +6.5 (-105), I’m backing Las Vegas to make the Chargers earn separation.

Injuries noted

Las Vegas Raiders: Chris Collier (IR) — Collier (undisclosed) reverted to injured reserve with the Raiders on Sunday, Sam Warren of The Athletic reports.; Justin Shorter (IR) — Undisclosed; Corey Rucker (IR) — Undisclosed; Justin Pickett (IR) — ir; Chigozie Anusiem (IR) — The Raiders placed Anusiem (knee) on injured reserve Saturday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.; Keyron Crawford (IR) — The Raiders placed Crawford (ankle) on injured reserve Sunday, Sam Warren of The Athletic reports.; Brennan Jackson (IR) — ir; Carter Runyon (IR-R) — Runyon (undisclosed) was placed on injured reserve by the Raiders on Sunday with a designation to return.; Dont'e Thornton Jr. (IR) — ir; Brock Bowers (Doubtful) — Bowers (knee), who is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Chargers, is expected to sit out Week 2 but appears likely to make his season debut Week 3 in New Orleans, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.; Bryce Cabeldue (Inactive) — inactive; Dalton Johnson (Inactive) — inactive; Cody Lindenberg (Inactive) — inactive; Darrell Luter Jr. (Inactive) — inactive; Aidan O'Connell (Out) — O'Connell (personal) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Chargers, Paul Gutierrez of Raiders.com reports.; JJ Pegues (Inactive) — inactive; Darien Porter (Out) — out

Los Angeles Chargers: Isaiah World (NFI-R) — nfi-r; Tyler Biadasz (IR) — The Chargers placed Biadasz (knee) on injured reserve Sunday.; Scott Matlock (IR-R) — Matlock (undisclosed) was placed on injured reserve by the Chargers on Sunday with a designation to return.; Denzel Perryman (IR) — ir; Branson Taylor (IR-R) — The Chargers placed Taylor (undisclosed) on injured reserve Sunday with a designation to return, Ian Rapoport of ESPN and NFL Network reports.; Deane Leonard (Questionable) — Leonard (abdomen) is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game versus Las Vegas.; Alex Harkey (Inactive) — inactive; RJ Mickens (Inactive) — inactive; Trevor Penning (Inactive) — inactive; Logan Taylor (Inactive) — inactive; Ladd McConkey (Questionable) — McConkey (ribs) "has made rapid progress" and "has every intention of playing" Sunday against the Raiders, Tom Pelissero of Netflix reports.; Elijah Molden (Out) — Molden (hamstring) is officially listed as out for Sunday's game versus Las Vegas.; KeAndre Lambert-Smith (IR) — The Chargers placed Lambert-Smith (hamstring) on injured reserve Tuesday.; Derius Davis (Questionable) — Davis (undisclosed) is day-to-day with an injury he suffered during Sunday's 26-14 loss to the Cardinals.; Trey Pipkins III (Out) — Pipkins (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Raiders.; Teair Tart (Questionable) — questionable; Dalvin Tomlinson (Questionable) — questionable

The research

The dated measurements the app shows under this card — observations with their sample and source, not predictions.

QUARTERBACK

  • Justin Herbert is the projected starting quarterback for LAC

    7.74 Y/A

    In his first 2026 game, Justin Herbert threw for 209 passing yards, completed 63% of his passes and averaged 7.74 yards per attempt. His 1-1 touchdown-to-interception line comes from a one-game sample, so the relationship between completion rate and per-throw production is still an early read.

  • Kirk Cousins is the projected starting quarterback for LV

    5.33 Y/A

    In his first 2026 game, Kirk Cousins threw for 160 passing yards, completed 70% of his passes and averaged 5.33 yards per attempt. His 3-2 touchdown-to-interception line comes from a one-game sample, so the relationship between completion rate and per-throw production is still an early read.

TRENCHES

  • LV's front holds runners to 42 fewer yards per game

    42 YPG

    LV is at 74 rushing yards allowed per game over 1 game; LAC is at 116 over 1 game. Those come from the opposing team boxes in the games each side has already played this 2026 season, through 2026-09-19.

PASS RUSH

  • LV's rush gets home 4 more times per game

    4 SACKS

    LV is at 5 sacks recorded per game over 1 game; LAC is at 1 over 1 game. Those come from the opposing team boxes in the games each side has already played this 2026 season, through 2026-09-19.

PACE & SCRIPT

  • LV holds the ball 12:24 longer per game

    12:24 TOP

    LV is at 34:53 time of possession per game over 1 game; LAC is at 22:29 over 1 game. Those are current-2026 team-game results through 2026-09-19.

  • LV is scoring +13 points per game

    13 PPG

    LV is at 27 points per game over 1 game; LAC is at 14 over 1 game. Those are current-2026 team-game results through 2026-09-19.

  • LV runs +16 more plays per game

    16 PLAYS

    LV is at 67 offensive plays per game over 1 game; LAC is at 51 over 1 game. Those are current-2026 team-game results through 2026-09-19.

TURNOVERS

  • LV's defense takes the ball away 2 more times per game

    2 TO

    LV is at 2 takeaways per game over 1 game; LAC is at 0 over 1 game. Those come from the opposing team boxes in the games each side has already played this 2026 season, through 2026-09-19.

  • LAC throws 1 fewer picks per game

    1 INT

    LV is at 2 interceptions thrown per game over 1 game; LAC is at 1 over 1 game. Those are current-2026 team-game results through 2026-09-19.

EXPLOSIVE PLAYS

  • LAC owns a +1 yards-per-play gap

    1 Y/P

    LV is at 4.3 yards per play over 1 game; LAC is at 5.3 over 1 game. Those are current-2026 team-game results through 2026-09-19.

RED ZONE

  • LV gets inside the 20 1 more time per game

    1 TRIPS

    LV is at 4 red-zone trips per game over 1 game; LAC is at 3 over 1 game. Those are current-2026 team-game results through 2026-09-19.

  • LV's red-zone scoring rate is 8.3 percentage points higher

    8.3 PP

    LV is at 75% red-zone scoring rate over 1 game; LAC is at 66.7% over 1 game. Those are current-2026 team-game results through 2026-09-19.

MISMATCH

  • LV's clock control — 34:53 of possession a game to LAC's 22:29

    34:53 VS 22:29

    The widest gap on this matchup's tape: possession — LV 34:53, LAC 22:29, over 1 and 1 game samples.

COVERAGE

  • LV allows a third-down conversion rate 22.9 percentage points lower

    22.9 PP

    LV is at 20% third downs allowed over 1 game; LAC is at 42.9% over 1 game. Those come from the opposing team boxes in the games each side has already played this 2026 season, through 2026-09-19.

  • LV's secondary gives up 92 fewer passing yards per game

    92 YPG

    LV is at 185 passing yards allowed per game over 1 game; LAC is at 277 over 1 game. Those come from the opposing team boxes in the games each side has already played this 2026 season, through 2026-09-19.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

  • LAC lead the series with LV since 2025

    2-0 SERIES

    LAC swept the two meetings with LV since 2025, winning 31-14 at home on Nov. 30, 2025 and 20-9 at LV on Sep. 15, 2025. Each game was a double-digit LAC win.

REPLACEMENT

  • David Njoku (TE) is out for LAC

    OUT

    Njoku is out after he will not return to Sunday’s game against LV, reported Sep. 20. The designation affects LAC’s offense for the rest of the game, but no replacement snaps or targets are supplied.

  • Aidan O'Connell (QB) is inactive for LV

    INACTIVE

    O'Connell (personal) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Chargers, Paul Gutierrez of Raiders.com reports. Reported Sep 19.

  • Ladd McConkey (WR) is questionable for LAC

    QUESTIONABLE

    McConkey (ribs), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Raiders, is "trending in the right direction" ahead of the 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Reported Sep 20.

  • Dareke Young (WR) is questionable for LV

    QUESTIONABLE

    questionable Reported Sep 20.

SITUATIONAL

  • LV's fourth-down conversion rate is 100 percentage points higher

    100 PP

    LV is at 100% fourth-down conversion rate over 1 game; LAC is at 0% over 1 game. Those are current-2026 team-game results through 2026-09-19.

  • LV gives away 35 fewer penalty yards per game

    35 YDS

    LV is at 29 penalty yards per game over 1 game; LAC is at 64 over 1 game. Those are current-2026 team-game results through 2026-09-19.

  • LV (1-0) at LAC (0-1) — a division game

    -26 PT GAP

    LV enters 1-0 with a +14 point differential and one-game winning streak, while LAC is 0-1, -12 points and on a one-game skid. LV has not played on the road yet; LAC is 0-1 at home in this AFC West matchup.

  • LV's third-down conversion rate is 13.5 percentage points higher

    13.5 PP

    LV is at 38.5% third-down conversion rate over 1 game; LAC is at 25% over 1 game. Those are current-2026 team-game results through 2026-09-19.

  • LV moves the chains 4 more times per game

    4 FD

    LV is at 21 first downs per game over 1 game; LAC is at 17 over 1 game. Those are current-2026 team-game results through 2026-09-19.

AFTER GARY

  • LV +6.5 → +6.5

    NO MOVE

    FANDUEL · SAME BOOK · PRE-KICK

All research from this day

About this analysis

Who made it
Gary AI, an AI sports-analysis product operated by Gary A.I. LLC. No human reviewer is claimed unless one is explicitly named.
Published data
Daily picks first stored September 17, 2026 at 4:28 PM ET.
Odds record
The pick receipt shows the price printed in the published ticket. The matchup market and line ladder provide separate market context. Stored sportsbook sources: draftkings, caesars, fanduel, betrivers, betmgm, fanatics.
Accountability
Read the editorial standards, source policy, and corrections process.

Props on this game

4
  • GARY'S PICK
    JUSTIN HERBERTRUSHING YARDS OVER 18.5
    NFLLos Angeles Chargers· -110

    Justin Herbert
    Rushing Yards over 18.5

    -110 · LOST · ACTUAL 2

    Los Angeles Chargers

    I’m taking over 18.5 rushing yards at -110. Herbert ran five times for 29 yards in Week 1 and cleared this line in eight of his final 10 games last season, averaging 34.3 yards over that stretch.

    Las Vegas produced five sacks and generated pressure on 43.3% of its four-man rushes in the opener, which gives Herbert a reason to leave the pocket when coverage holds. The contrary case is that this is still only one 2026 game, and sacks or quick throws can end pressured plays before they become positive rushing yards.

    A cleaner Chargers plan could also reduce his scrambling opportunities, but the line remains below his recent rushing output.

  • GARY'S PICK
    ASHTON JEANTYRECEIVING YARDS OVER 22.5
    NFLLas Vegas Raiders· -115

    Ashton Jeanty
    Receiving Yards over 22.5

    -115 · LOST · ACTUAL 15

    Las Vegas Raiders

    I’m taking over 22.5 receiving yards at -115. Jeanty drew six targets and caught all six for 45 yards in the opener, part of a 29-touch, 147-yard workload.

    That receiving role matters against a Chargers defense that allowed Arizona to repeatedly complete quick throws between the numbers, and Brock Bowers is doubtful, leaving more short-area work available. The strongest objection is the sample: this season gives us only one game, and Jeanty cleared this number in just five of his final 10 games last season, averaging 26.0 receiving yards.

    Still, the current role is large enough that he does not need another 45-yard day to cash.

  • THE LONG SHOT
    ASHTON JEANTYANYTIME TD OVER 0.5
    NFLLas Vegas Raiders· +100

    Ashton Jeanty
    Anytime TD over 0.5

    +100 · LOST · ACTUAL 0

    Las Vegas Raiders

    I’m taking Jeanty to score an anytime touchdown at +100. He handled 23 carries and six receptions in Week 1, accounting for 29 touches and more than half of Las Vegas’ scrimmage production, and he scored twice as a receiver.

    That three-down usage makes him the Raider most likely to touch the ball near the goal line, whether Kubiak calls a run or works him into the short passing game. The strongest contrary evidence is that we have only one game in this offense, and the Chargers held Arizona to two touchdowns on five red-zone trips.

    Jeanty also did not record a rushing touchdown in the opener. At even money, though, his combination of volume and multiple scoring paths is worth the bet.

  • THE LONG SHOT
    OMARION HAMPTONANYTIME TD OVER 0.5
    NFLLos Angeles Chargers· -148

    Omarion Hampton
    Anytime TD over 0.5

    -148 · CASHED · ACTUAL 1

    Los Angeles Chargers

    I’m taking Hampton to score an anytime touchdown at -148. He is the Chargers’ starting back and finished their opening 77-yard drive with a 9-yard touchdown, showing that he owns a direct path to goal-line work.

    Los Angeles should emphasize cleaner early-down offense after falling into repeated third-and-long situations last week, and Hampton’s power profile fits that correction. The strongest concern is workload and price: he played 58% of the offensive snaps, received only 12 carries, and Las Vegas allowed just 13 points and 74 rushing yards in its opener.

    This is based on one 2026 game, so I’m keeping the conviction modest despite Hampton’s lead role.

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