Free Pick: Las Vegas (3-0) at LA Chargers (2-1) 10/4/21

This is a great matchup between two AFC West teams with big-time division ramifications. Vegas is off to a great start and can grab their 2nd road win against a quality opponent. The Chargers are coming off an impressive win in Kansas City and could easily be 3-0 also. Buckle your seatbelts and sit back and enjoy a great Monday night game. Here are the matchups.

Quarterback: Derek Carr has been very good for the Raiders through the first 3 games of the season. He has thrown for 1203 yards and touchdowns while completing 65% of his passes. Los Angeles will counter with Justin Herbert, who is an emerging superstar. He has come out of the gate strong and is showing that his rookie year wasn’t a fluke. He has thrown for 956 yards and 6 touchdowns and completed almost 70% of his passes. Advantage: Neither

Running Backs: The Las Vegas running game is averaging on 91 yards per game and needs to show some improvement. Peyton Barber is the leading rusher with 143 yards on 36 carries resulting in 1 touchdown. The Chargers are led by Austin Ekeler who has 166 yards on 35 carries. They ran the ball better last week in Kansas City, but everyone runs on the Chiefs. Advantage: Neither

Receivers: The Raiders have 5 receivers that have caught at least 10 balls. Tight end, Darren Waller is the leader with 20 catches for 224 yards. Wide-out, Henry Ruggs is the deep threat, averaging 21 yards per catch on his 11 receptions. Hunter Renfrow is the possession receiver and he has 16 catches for an additional 204 yards. The Chargers will counter with Mike Williams, an emerging star, (22 receptions for 295 yards and 4 touchdowns), and Keenan Allen (21 catches for 258 yards), who is as steady and consistent as there is. Advantage: Neither

Defense: Las Vegas has improved their defense over past seasons and has shown up in the win-loss column. Led by linebackers, Denzel Perryman and Cory Littleton, and defensive backs Jonathan Abrams and Trayvon Muller, they have made enough plays in critical situations to enable the Raiders to win. The Chargers are led by their two safeties, Nasir Adderley and Derwin James who have 35 tackles between them. Linebacker Joey Bosa has been disruptive and has put a lot of pressure on the opposing quarterbacks. Los Angeles has problems stopping the run and they are giving up 170 yards per game rushing and that is a concern. However, their pass defense is one of the best in the NFL. Advantage: Neither.

There is very little to choose from between these two teams. They appear to be evenly matched. The Raiders haven’t faced a passing attack or a quarterback with the ability that Justin Herbert has. The past two weeks, the Chargers have faced Dak Prescott and Patrick Mahomes, who are two of the best in the league and they have held up against them. That might be the edge in this game. LA is a 3 point favorite.

DUDES WHO BET SPORTS PICK: Chargers -3