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NFL Week 17 Betting: San Diego Chargers vs. Oakland Raiders Odds, Prediction, and Pick

Oakland Raiders

This weekend features a few big time NFC West match-ups, and this is just one of them.  The Oakland Raiders get to be at home in a must win situation, where they could potentially be looking at a playoff spot if a few things are to happen for them.  For starters, if the Broncos lose and the Raiders win, then they are in.  They can also make it by the Bengals losing, who are up against the Baltimore Ravens this weekend.  Oakland definitely has their work cut out for them though, as they are up against a San Diego Chargers team who almost made a last season push to get into the playoff hunt themselves.  The Raiders are 8-7 currently, while the Chargers are sitting at 7-8.

The Raiders would love to get into the playoffs this year, especially after making that huge trade for Carson Palmer during the season.  The team has also been without their starting running back Darren McFadden for a long stretch now, and the team is also in the midst of a season in which their owner, Al Davis, passed away.  The Raiders would definitely be an underdog story if they made it into the playoffs, but beating the Chargers won’t be a walk.  The Raiders will need a big game from running back Michael Bush (and McFadden if he plays), and will also need Carson Palmer to avoid turning the ball over.

As far as the Chargers go, they are led by a quarterback in Philip Rivers who will be headed to the Pro Bowl, but struggled with turnovers this season.  He finally seemed to get it going the past few weeks (until last week), and he’ll look to end the season on a strong note with a win over a divisional rival.  The Chargers could also be potentially playing for their head coaches job, unless Norv Turner is already on his way out the door after missing the playoffs once again.

Odds and Sports Betting Line

San Diego Chargers: +3

Oakland Raiders: -3

Free Prediction

It’s tough not to like the Raiders right now.  This team is playing with a chip on their shoulder, and while they haven’t looked great down the home stretch of the season, the Chargers really do have nothing to play for.  You can never underestimate a team coming off of a game in which their season came to an end.  This, mixed with the fact that the Raiders are at home is why I’m taking the Raiders to win it by four.

Prediction:  Oakland Raiders- 28 San Diego Chargers- 24

Free Pick

It seems that quite a few of these home teams who are in must win situations find themselves as small favorites at home (right around a field goal).  This one is just that situation, as the Raiders are three point favorites on their home field.  I think that the Chargers will be pretty un-interested in this game, and that it will be a big help.  Hue Jackson will have his team ready, and they’ll come out and pull out the win.  I also think that they will sneak a cover here too, so I’m picking the Raiders.

Pick:  Oakland Raiders -3