Las Vegas Raiders vs Los Angeles Chargers Picks and Predictions September 15th 2025

The Los Angeles Chargers travel to Allegiant Stadium on Monday night to face the Las Vegas Raiders in a Week 2 AFC West showdown. Kickoff is set for 8:15 PM ET in Las Vegas, NV.

Los Angeles (1-0) opened the season with a 27-21 win over the Chiefs in Brazil, as Justin Herbert threw for 318 yards and three touchdowns while sealing the game with a clutch 19-yard scramble on third-and-14. Jim Harbaugh’s squad is eyeing its first 2-0 start since 2021.

Las Vegas (1-0), under new head coach Pete Carroll, earned a 20-13 win in New England behind Geno Smith’s 362-yard passing debut in silver and black. Now, the Harbaugh-Carroll rivalry — dating back to USC-Stanford and revived in the NFL — headlines this divisional matchup.

Industry’s Best

Handicapping Membership

Get Free Trial

Matchup Overview

• Venue: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
• Date: Monday, Sept. 8, 2025 – 8:15 PM ET
• Betting Odds: Chargers ML -135, Raiders ML +115, Spread LAC -2.5, O/U 45.5

Key Injuries

• Chargers: LB Denzel Perryman (ankle – DNP), LB Del’Shawn Phillips (toe – DNP), CB Elijah Molden (hamstring – limited), CB Tarheeb Still (calf – limited)
• Raiders: TE Brock Bowers (knee – questionable), LB Elandon Roberts (elbow – DNP), RB Ashton Jeanty (healthy, but limited to 38 yards in debut)

The Chargers Can Win If…

Justin Herbert continues his hot start. Against the Chiefs, he showcased both arm talent and mobility, keeping drives alive under pressure. With WRs Keenan Allen and Quentin Johnston stretching the field, Herbert has the weapons to attack a Raiders secondary still adjusting to Carroll’s system.

Defensively, Los Angeles must contain Geno Smith’s passing attack and pressure him into mistakes. Winning the trenches is critical after struggling to generate sacks in Week 1.

Check expert projections on our NFL Picks page.

The Raiders Can Win If…

Geno Smith delivers another efficient outing. He threw for 362 yards against New England, connecting with All-Pro TE Brock Bowers before the rookie left with a knee injury. If Bowers plays, he’s the matchup nightmare that can tilt the game.

The Raiders also need RB Ashton Jeanty to find rhythm after a sluggish debut (38 yards on 19 carries). A more balanced attack would ease pressure on Smith and open play-action shots.

For live updates on spreads and totals, visit the NFL Scores and Odds board.

Betting Outlook

The Chargers are -2.5 road favorites, and my model projects a 27-23 Los Angeles win. Herbert’s form, plus Las Vegas’ question marks with Bowers’ availability, give the Chargers a slight edge.

At a total of 45.5, the lean is over. Both quarterbacks are aggressive, and with playmakers on both sides, Monday night has shootout potential.

For strategies on betting divisional rivalries, head to the NFL Expert Betting Guide.

Handicapper Spotlight

Our NFL handicappers are heating up with Week 2 primetime plays. Check the leaderboard below to see who’s rolling and how they’re approaching Chargers vs. Raiders under the Monday night lights.