First off, don't expect big things from either of these teams this year. Both have been inconsistent, albeit the Raiders have been able to get some wins in surprise upsets along the way. Las Vegas is currently at 7-6 but has been crushed in 3 of their last 4 games including losses to the Colts, Falcons, and the Chiefs. True, the Raiders did beat the Chiefs in one of their meetings this season, but that was a freak loss by the defending Super Bowl Champions. In fact, the only reason the Raiders beat the winless Jets, two weeks ago, was due to some luck in the 4th quarter.
The Chargers are at 4-9 and are out of playoff contention, currently in the last place in the AFC West, but they beat the Falcons last week, a team that destroyed the Raiders 43-6 a few weeks ago. The Chargers are simply trying to end the season on a positive note and spoiling the Raiders' chances at a playoff berth would be a sweet bonus.
Joey Bosa, the Chargers' defensive end commented, “It could give a little juice to guys I’m sure. Especially being the Raiders and obviously the rivalry and all that. But to be able to get two wins in such a short period of time would be great, especially with how the season has gone."
The Chargers have struggled to get turnovers since the start of the season, but they have had five interceptions over the past four games, including three in their win over the Falcons last week. Their troubles really come in the second half being outscored by 53 points in the 3rd and 4th quarters. It was thanks to the interceptions last week which gave the Chargers the first time they've held an opponent scoreless in the second half in 24 games.
NFL Odds
At bet365 Sports, the Raiders are the favorites to win, but not by the margin you'd expect. Las Vegas is at 1.60 to win, while the Chargers are at 2.45.
The odds in this article at the bookmaker mentioned were accurate at the time of writing, December 17 at 7:45 GMT.