By Josh Mansilla (@Manzilla36)
Throughout the 2016 NFL season, NFL handicapper Josh Mansilla will be providing his weekly plays, along with a brief write-up on how he sees the games playing out. We’ll track his picks alongside those of our other capper, Dan Urda, to see who best assisted our readers throughout the season. Dan’s picks for Week 15 can be found in this week’s podcast.
Season Records
Josh Mansilla: 8-5 (.615)
Dan Urda: 28-39-5 (.420)
Raiders -3
Nice win last week as the Texans got the outright win at Indianapolis. This week we are going with another road team as I expect Oakland to pick up the win here at San Diego.
The Raiders are coming off a rare loss last week as they fell to the Chiefs, 21-13. Oakland is in the midst of ending the franchise’s 14-year playoff drought and I believe they bounce back nicely with a win as they fight for that first round playoff bye. Last week, Derek Carr was playing with an injured finger on his throwing hand. That definitely appeared to affect him as he was a dismal 17/41 in the passing game for just 117 yards. With 3 extra days of rest heading into this game after the Thursday Night contest a week ago, I believe that will not be an issue for him.
San Diego lost Melvin Gordon to an injury last week and his absence should be a huge factor in their offense struggling here. Even though San Diego is widely considered a “Pass first” team, Gordon was a reliable playmaker in the running game that gave the Chargers offense some semblance of balance. Without the threat of Gordon back there, Khalil Mack and company can concentrate on getting constant pressure on Philip Rivers all game long. I look for Oakland to take advantage of that pressure and force some turnovers.
The Raiders have won the last 3 matchups against the Chargers and are 5-1 this year on the road. I look for Oakland to add another win here on Sunday.
Prediction: 31-24, Raiders
Good luck.
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