The AFC West is currently locked down by the still undefeated Kansas City Chargers. Nevertheless, this Sunday, the Los Angeles Chargers and Oakland Raiders will take to the gridiron in a vain attempt to usurp what many US online sportsbook betting players currently consider to be the best team in the NFL. Before the season began, many gambling websites were proclaiming that the AFC West would be the toughest division in professional football. Heading into Week 6, it’s pretty clear that prediction is correct.
Sure, the 5-0 Chiefs are the sole leaders in the West. But the 3-1 Denver Broncos, who enjoyed a Bye Week in Week 5, are far from being ruled out in the divisional race. Furthermore, while they may be at 3-2, the Raiders are also still contenders. They may have lost a few but that was without starting quarterback Derek Carr – who returns to face the Chargers this Sunday. Let’s see what the top sportsbook betting sites are predicting for this Sunday.
Betting Los Angeles
The Chargers charge into this Week 6 matchup flashing a 1-4 record that ranks them as the worst team in the AFC West. It’s been a minute since Los Angeles has been a contender in the division and one has to wonder whether the franchise is to blame or if starting quarterback Phillip Rivers should shoulder most of the responsibility. Rivers currently has 9 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 1,365 yards and an 86.0 passer rating, which ranks him far behind the NFL elite. Furthermore, Los Angeles currently ranks 19th in scoring. But they are 6th in passing, so maybe they know what they’re doing with Rivers under center.
NFL bookmakers are pegging the Chargers as favorites on the road. Los Angeles has won one game this season and it doesn’t look like they’ll be able to knock their rivals off this Sunday. Considering the payout available on Oakland, NFL bettors should take the Raiders at home.
Betting Oakland
The Raiders are, as previously mentioned, 2-3 on the season. That record places the Raiders a couple games behind the Denver Broncos in the division, but there is still plenty of time for a Black and Silver resurgence. Oakland fans have plenty to look forward to this Sunday, as Derek Carr makes his return to the starting lineup. We saw how pitiful the Raiders are without Carr both in last year’s postseason as well as these past couple of Sundays, games that all resulted in a big L for the Raiders.
Despite seeing Carr back under center, Raiders’ fans shouldn’t expect the quarterback to have a field day this Sunday. The Chargers currently have the 4th best pass defense in the NFL and considering the fact that Carr is coming off an injury, it stands to reason that the Raiders’ quarterback won’t be at 100% from the get go. Luckily for Oakland, they acquired Marshawn Lynch this past offseason. And luckily enough for Lynch, the running back will be going up against the NFL’s worst run defense. With that in mind, Carr might be able to complete some deep balls down the field off the play action.
US Online Sportsbook Betting Lines & Odds:
Los Angeles Chargers +3 ½ (-124) 49 ½ (-110) +155
Oakland Raiders -3 ½ (+103) 49 ½ (-110) -180
CBS’ @richgannon12 says that @melvingordon25 is the key to the Chargers' success. #ChargersWeekly
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— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) October 15, 2017
