Bloated spread.
The Raiders are coming off a stunning loss to the then 0-5 Rams with a 3rdstring quarterback. Their confidence took a major hit. Don't expect that sting to be gone. San Diego, on the other hand is coming off an impressive, confidence-building come-from-behind win against a great Kansas City team. The Chargers proved that they can smack adversity in the face, overcoming five turnovers to get the win last week.
San Diego has the fourth best defense (scoring) in the league while Oakland's defensive weaknesses (especially against the run) were exposed last week by Mr. Faulk to the tune of 158 yards running. The Silver & Black have given up an average of 28 points over the last three games. They now face the league's second leading rusher in LaDainian Tomlinson (632 yards and six TDs).
Oakland has the better passing offense but San Diego has the better defense and running game. Give me those two and a touchdown any day! Take advantage of a crazy situation in which a potential Super Bowl team is getting seven points against a team that may not be as good as they appear.