NFL betting: Chargers are the public's pick on Monday night

Only two undefeated teams remain at this point of the NFL season. The betting public expects that number to go down to one after Monday night. In a highly competitive AFC West matchup, the Los Angeles Chargers are 3-point home favorites over the Las Vegas Raiders. The total currently sits at 51 points at BetMGM.

Public expects Raiders' luck to run out

Nobody expected the Las Vegas Raiders to be one of two undefeated teams left standing at the start of the season. The Raiders have played surprisingly well, but they've been a bit fortunate in reaching their 3-0 mark. Las Vegas has won two of their three games in overtime, most recently failing to cover as a 4-point favorite in their overtime win over the Dolphins.

On the other side, the Chargers are coming off a very impressive win over the Kansas City Chiefs, as they were 7-point road underdogs entering that contest. Los Angeles sits with a 2-1 record both straight-up and against the spread.

KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 26: Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) rolls out in his own end zone in the first quarter of an AFC West matchup between the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs on Sep 26, 2021 at GEHA Filed at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert rolls out against the Kansas City Chiefs during Week 3. (Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) (Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Despite Las Vegas' perfect record, 64% of betting tickets and 77% of the betting handle is on the Chargers to cover the 3-point spread as a home favorite. The home team has won and covered the spread in the first three Monday night games of the season. Bettors are expecting that trend to continue.

Total crashing despite heavy over support

Bettors are loving the over on Monday night again. All three Monday night games this season have gone over the total. Despite 71% of betting tickets and 78% of the betting handle currently on the over, the total has come down. The total originally opened at 52.5 points, but now sits at the key number of 51.

It's not hard to see why there's support for the over in this spot. Derek Carr looks as good as he has at any point in his career and he's finally getting nationwide recognition. Justin Herbert is an awesome young quarterback who many expect to take over as one of the faces of the league in the upcoming years.

However, all three Chargers games to this point in the season have gone under their total. Los Angeles gives up yards, especially on the ground, but they are stingy when it comes to allowing points. They're allowing an average of two touchdowns and 20 points per game. The defense is also averaging two takeaways per contest.

Darren Waller a popular prop bet

Anytime the Raiders are involved, you can expect Darren Waller to be involved. The tight end has developed into one of the premier pass-catching weapons in the league and he's the clear focal point of Las Vegas' offense.

Bettors like Waller to get into the end zone on Monday after a two-game scoreless drought. Waller is currently +1000 to score the first touchdown of the game and +140 to score a touchdown at any time. These are the two most popular prop bets at BetMGM heading into kickoff.

Another popular prop bet for Monday features Chargers running back Austin Ekeler. Ekeler has 15 receptions on 15 targets over his last two games for Los Angeles. Ekeler is currently +210 to record 7 or more receptions against the Raiders.

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