NFL 2023 TNF - WEEK FIFTEEN

Date: Thursday, Decenmber 14

Time: 8:15 p.m. ET

Channel: PRIME VIDEO (Amazon)

Weather:  Perfect...Dome

TNF  12/14  

Los Angeles Chargers (3) @ Las Vegas Raiders (-3)   35  [U]

The Los Angeles Chargers were a bad football team with a franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert.  Offensive line troubles, no running game--even with Austin Ekler on the roster--and a very pedestrian defense conspired to put the Zappers season on Herbert’s shoulders.

His throwing hand index finger cracked under the pressure--he undergoes surgery tomorrow.

Easton Stick replaces Herbert for this game and despite the pornstar-like name he doesn’t give us the impression he can deliver the goods.

Brian Staley is most likely coaching for his job--and it doesn’t seem like his Zappers give a damn.

Meanwhile, in Vegas, the Antonio Pierce love-fest is about over.  Happens all the time in the NFL; players often rally around an interim coach for a few weeks, then reality creeps back in :

“Hey, we really do suck.”

Reality also says the Raiders will suck less if Coach Pierce will give Jimmy Garapollo the nod to replace Aiden O’Connell.  But Jimmmy G’s contract says that scenario is unlikely. 

LarryBrownsports.com provides some context:

The Garoppolo situation is a bit complicated. Garopollo's $11.25 million salary for next season is guaranteed for injury. If the veteran gets hurt and cannot pass a physical by March 18 (the fifth day of the new league year), the Raiders would have to pay him his full salary for 2024.

We doubt Raiders owner, Mark Davis wants to risk 11 million bucks with the injuries to RB, Josh Jacobs, and sack master, Maxx Crosby to salvage a 5-8 team’s chances for the post season.

In other words, this will be one of the most unwatchable tilts of the year.

We’re taking the Raiders to kick two more field goals than the Bolts--and glady taking the Under.

Raiders 19

Chargers  12