Both the Raiders and Chargers have been involved in the two lowest scoring games of the season. Now, with both teams down to backup quarterbacks, no Keenan Allen and Josh Jacobs, it’s hard to think points will be pouring down in Vegas. There’s a decent chance one of these two teams will either be shut out or held to field goals. That opens some great value opportunities for scores and first scores, especially for the Raiders! Here are the best Chargers-Raiders first touchdown plays for Thursday Night Football.
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Chargers-Raiders TNF First Touchdown Picks
Los Angeles Chargers Touchdown Scorer
The Chargers are down Justin Herbert and their top receiver in Allen but do have ol’ faithful in Austin Ekeler. It hasn’t been the year expected from him, but Ekeler is still a dual-threat talent that can help Easton Stick. Ekeler is still a strong 7-1 play on BetMGM to score first despite dropping as low as +450 elsewhere. Grabbing that value alone is worth it for a guy who should see plenty of action throughout Los Angeles’ first drive. Stick sits at 20-1 on BetMGM and is worth a small sprinkle, as he can attack a Raiders defense vulnerable to anyone mobile. Stick’s rushing total currently sits at 20.5 yards, so he’s expected to be on the move. It’s worth a small sprinkle at 0.25 units for both guys, but only if you are playing the BetMGM numbers. For the purposes of making one play, we will go with Ekeler at great value of +700.
Chargers-Raiders First Touchdown Picks: Austin Ekeler +700 at BetMGM for 0.25 Units
Las Vegas Raiders First Touchdown Scorer
All three Raiders running backs are devalued as a result of Jacobs being doubtful for tonight’s game. The problem with immediately rushing to a receiver is they still need to catch the ball from Aidan O’Connell — easier said than done with how poorly he’s played. The Raiders and Chargers share the same record, but it’s Vegas who seems truly broken, whereas the Chargers are just broken down by injury. One thing that helps the Raiders without Jacobs is just how outright awful the Chargers pass defense is. This unit could make O’Connell look like Dak Prescott if the Raiders coaching staff takes advantage. That opens the door for the obvious play in Davante Adams and the lesser option in Jakobi Meyers. The latter did have a touchdown in a highly targeted game against the Chiefs, and with a worse opponent on Thursday night, O’Connell can find Meyers again. Even in last week’s struggle to find points, Meyers was targeted six times. Take him to score first tonight.
Chargers-Raiders First Touchdown Picks: Jakobi Meyers +1300 at BetMGM for 0.25 Units
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