It has the potential to be two very good weeks for the Los Angeles Chargers. In Week 17 they not only kept their playoff hopes alive with a win, but their 34-13 victory over the rival Denver Broncos also eliminated the Broncos from the playoffs and ensured that Denver would finish in last place.
An L.A. win in Week 18 would put the Chargers in the postseason for the first time in three years while beating the rival Raiders would knock them out of the playoffs and ensure that they finish third in the division.
And all of this is happening with the fourth-ranked offense in the NFL.
All odds via BetPrep as of 6 a.m. ET on Jan. 6.
Justin Herbert Vs. Las Vegas Raiders
The Prop: Justin Herbert Passing Yards
The Odds: Over 276.5 yards (-115)/Under 276.5 yards (-115)
This offense goes as Justin Herbert goes, the AFC’s starting quarterback in next month’s Pro Bowl. He is setting records for the best start to an NFL career, and already after just 31 NFL starts, Herbert has 66 touchdown passes. With 33 yards Sunday night, he will also go over the 9,000-yard mark for his young career.
The Raiders’ pass defense has been fairly decent of late and hasn’t given up less than 200 yards in the last three weeks. But that was against Nick Mullens, Drew Lock, and Carson Wentz. They gave up 375 yards to Dak Prescott, as many as 406 yards to Patrick Mahomes, and Vegas should give up the OVER to Herbert and the Chargers.
Editor’s Note: New to NFL props? Check out our complete NFL Props Betting Guide to get up to speed!
Mike Williams Vs. Las Vegas Raiders
The Prop: Mike Williams Receiving Yards
The Odds: Over 54.5 yards (-115)/Under 54.5 yards (-115)
Wide receiver Mike Williams is over 1,000 yards receiving for the second time in his career, and in three of his last four games, he’s gone over 60 yards.
Williams only saw four targets against the Broncos last week, but he caught three of them for 63 yards and a touchdown, helping to keep his yards per catch over 15 for the fourth straight year.
Williams’ big-play potential will be on display again on Sunday night, and he is a solid bet to hit his OVER.
for the franchise record!!!
📺: CBS | @darealmike_dub pic.twitter.com/lsOTtenOTi
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) January 2, 2022
Austin Ekeler Vs. Las Vegas Raiders
The Prop: Austin Ekeler Rushing Yards
The Odds: Over 56.5 yards (-110)/Under 56.5 yards (-120)
As we look for Herbert and Williams to have big games, it’s also worth looking at the bad run defense for the Raiders, which ranks 21st in the NFL, giving up 116 yards per game.
Austin Ekeler has had his best season ever running the football, and 53 yards on the ground will get him to 900 for the year. He’s also been incredibly consistent, going for 58 last week, 59 the week before that, and 59 and 67 in Weeks 14 and 15.
Can he get to 57 on Sunday? All signs point to yes. Take the OVER on Ekeler’s rushing yards.
