Las Vegas is three-point underdogs heading into Week 1
The Las Vegas Raiders are three-point underdogs on FanDuel Sportsbook in their Week 1 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers. However, especially since they’re being given points, the Raiders might be a good bet seeing as Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert missed a significant portion of training camp with an injury.
While the reports are that Herbert is 100 percent and head coach Jim Harbaugh said the quarterback being listed on the team’s injury report Thursday was a result of a push from the NFL, via The Athletic’s Daniel Popper, that’s beside the point.
Yes, Herbert was listed as a full participant in practice this week and has been on the field since August 19. However, he suffered the injury to his plantar fascia at the beginning of training camp and missed about two and a half weeks of the most important practices of the year, first being held out on August 1.
Los Angeles underwent some significant changes this offseason. Harbaugh was hired as head coach and brought on his old offensive coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers, Greg Roman. As part of the new regime, the Bolts let their two best receivers go; Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, as well as running back Austin Ekeler and tight end Gerald Everett.
While the Chargers do return wideout Joshua Palmer, the majority of the team’s receiving corps is brand new with rookie second-round pick Ladd McConkey and free-agent signings wide receiver DJ Chark and tight end Will Dissly serving as the most notable pass-catching additions.
Herbert missing time in training camp means he got fewer reps with the majority of his top weapons to build the crucial chemistry to hit the ground running this season. Also, it’s reasonable to expect him to be a little rusty in a new offense regardless of the injury, but that becomes an even bigger factor with less practice.
Granted, the Oregon product is no stranger to working with a new coaching staff and picking up a new playbook even dating back to his college days. The Ducks had three head coaches during his time in Eugue, and the fifth-year pro is already on his third full-time head coach with the Chargers.
However, part of what makes this regime switch different is Roman has always relied on a running quarterback. In San Francisco, it was Alex Smith and Collin Kaepernick, Tyrod Taylor with the Buffalo Bills, and then Lamar Jackson with the Baltimore Ravens.
Herbert can tote the rock and is expected to be used on some designed runs with Roman calling plays. However, will that happen seeing as he’s coming off a foot injury? That wouldn’t exactly be a smart plan to begin the year. So, will we see a watered-down version of the Chargers’ offense given the quarterback’s missed time and recent injury? It certainly seems like it.
Don’t get it twisted, Herbert is a very talented player and will likely put it together to finish the year with some impressive numbers. But, in a Week 1 matchup against a team that features a talented defensive line headlined by Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins, it won’t exactly be easy sledding for Herbert and Co. to begin the campaign.
That makes the Raiders as a field goal underdog a decent bet as well as the under at 40.5 points on FanDuel Sportsbook.