Oakland Raiders @ San Diego Chargers Thursday Night NFL Free Pick

Oakland Raiders @ San Diego Chargers Thursday Night NFL Free Pick: I would like to preface this pick with the fact that I really hate the side I’m taking – the Chargers giving a touchdown seems like a losing bet, especially the way they are turning the ball over this season. However, with Ryan Mathews back and Mike Tolbert a part, this running game from SD is a real tough test for the Raiders, and I think the Chargers will be running early and often. Phillip’s weapons are healthy, and that’s big for him kicking this crappy streak he has going.

In the swing of things, it doesn’t rely on Rivers as much as you’d think. This game doesn’t rely upon defense (or the Chargers would be an easy pick). What it’s coming down to is the Raiders inconsistent offense. Carson Palmer’s not there yet, because it takes more than a couple weeks to get ready. The Chargers’ defense is the best he’ll have faced thus far, and they’ll make it tough on him – especially without McFadden for another week.

This team revolved around Darren McFadden scaring the poo out of defenses. They’d come up trying to slug him in the mouth to stop the Raiders and sometimes it would work. Even when they did stop him it set up the pass, and Jason Campbell had a nice thing going with Darius Heyward-Bey. Now Carson has no McFadden and he’s not using DHB. Consistency is key. Carson has some nice throws, but the offense is rough, and that’s how your mother likes it Trebek!

EDITOR’S NOTE: For those of you who didn’t understand the last reference it refers to a well known Saturday Night Live parody of Celebrity Jeopardy where actor Darrell Hammond impersonates famed James Bond actor Sean Connery who constantly insults game show host Alex Trebek’s mother.

Oakland Raiders @ San Diego Chargers (-7)