BFTB Roundtable: Week 4 score predictions

Happy game day, Chargers fans.

Like every week, Garrett, Matthew, and I took turns predicting the final score of tonight’s game while discussing how we believe things will shake out under the lights.

Check them out below and let us know what you think of our predictions below!

Michael Peterson: When things kick off Monday night, the Chargers will be in familiar territory. With the Raiders coming to town, and the long history of their fans in the area, the Bolts are going to have to endure another “away” game inside of their own stadium. It’s unfortunate, but that’s the just reality of the situation.

In spite of that, I expect the Chargers to come and play like they have been in front of enemy crowds. Both wins this year have been on the road in hostile environments so the takeover by the Raiders doesn’t give me pause at all. If anything, it means there will be more Las Vegas fans in attendance to watch their team lose and that’s OK with me.

The Raiders have had the 23rd-toughest schedule through the first three weeks of this season. After beating the Ravens (3-1) in their opener, they’ve gone on to beat the Steelers and Dolphins, both of which are 1-3 through yesterday’s games. That win against the Ravens was impressive, we can’t take that away from them, but the’ve since played two of the league’s worst squads. The combined record of Washington, Dallas, and Kansas City comes to 7-5 while none of the three teams currently have a losing record.

The Chargers are the more battle-tested team and I believe that will come out in this game tonight. However, these divisional matchups are always extremely competitive. I think the Chargers take their blows but end up winning another close one 31-27.

Matthew Stanley: The Chargers are facing the league’s leading passing offense and will need to limit big plays while forcing the Raiders to run the ball. The good news is that this time, they’ll actually be deploying a defense that is designed to do just that. And that defense is being orchestrated by a much better coach. And that defense is being implemented by players that are healthier than they normally are. I think the Raiders are going to pass 150 yards rushing as a team, but I think once again, the pass defense is going to hold and allow less than 250 yards in the air. Storm Norton faces another big test this week in Maxx Crosby, who is having a fantastic start to the year. However, overall the Chargers have a slight advantage, taking on the Gus Bradley defense many of them played against in practice for the past few years.I think the Chargers win big, 31-17, and build on their statement win against the Chiefs last week.

Garrett Sisti: The Chargers are gonna have to keep the roof on the opposing offense like they have all year as the Raiders come into tonight’s game as the league’s top offense, averaging 471 yards per game. Staley will again run two-high safeties to limit the big plays and dare the Raiders to run the ball, which Las Vegas will have no problem doing. With the Chargers limiting the splash plays they will keep it close all game long. The Chargers will surrender 100+ yards on the ground on back-to-back games but it won’t be enough for the Raiders. This will be the first time this year where the Chargers pull away and don’t have to win it on the last possession of the game. While the final score is close, the Raiders will try to mount a comeback late to no success. Chargers win 34-30.