NFL Week 5 Picks: Chargers Vs. Raiders Odds, Analysis, Predictions
Editor’s note: NESN.com’s Mike Cole, Ricky Doyle and Andre Khatchaturian deliver their NFL picks every Thursday of the season, and here’s who they like in the San Diego Chargers-Oakland Raiders Week 5 game, with the line from OddsShark.
San Diego Chargers (1-3) at (-3.5) Oakland Raiders (3-1), 4:25 p.m.
Mike: Raiders. Don’t overthink it … don’t overthink it … don’t overthink it. This feels like a trap game, but the Raiders showed me something last week by going on the road and handling the Ravens. Now, they need to prove they can handle expectations — unlike their Week 2 stinker against Atlanta.
Ricky: Chargers. Oakland’s defense has looked much better over the last two weeks, but the improved performances came against the Titans and Ravens, neither of whom will be mistaken for an offensive juggernaut. Philip Rivers should be able to sling around the bacon a little bit come Sunday, at least enough to keep this one close in a high-scoring affair.
Andre: Raiders. The Raiders average 6.3 yards/play (2nd) and have turned the ball over just twice all season. The Raiders defense is also living up to its potential after allowing more than 1,000 yards in the first two games. David Amerson is one of the best corners in the game this year and with so many injuries in the Chargers? wide receiving corps, I expect the Raiders to shut down the Chargers? offense.
Click to watch “The Spread,” our picks video podcast >>
Thumbnail photo via Robert Hanashiro/USA TODAY Sports Images
