The total is set high here because Derek Carr is back behind center after suffering a fracture in his back that caused him to miss last week. That type of injury normally keeps a player out 2-to-6 weeks. Carr still has pain in his back. The Chargers have a strong pass rush thanks to Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram, who have combined for 12 sacks. That's the most in the league among two teammates.
So the Raiders have to be extremely careful with their franchise quarterback. That likely means more running plays and short, quick passes where Carr isn't so much at risk. This will keep the clock moving.
Oakland's offense hasn't been in gear. The Raiders have put up only 37 points in their last three games. Amari Cooper and Marshawn Lynch are having terrible seasons so far.
The Chargers' success rides on Philip Rivers and he isn't having a good season either. Rivers is completing less than 60 percent of his throws, has five interceptions and ranks just 21st in passer ratings.
LA is likely to run more than usual, too, because the Raiders have a trio of undersized linebackers and middle linebacker, Marquel Lee, is out.
Another reason not to expect a Rivers-Carr shootout is the Enviornmental Protection Agency has said the air quality is unhealthy for this game, which is being played at the Oakland Coliseum. This is due to the lingering North Bay fires. I look at this circumstance as a plus for the Under because the teams could run the ball more during the final quarter trying to gain the upper hand by controlling the trenches.