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2022 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 1

By Gil Alcaraz IV

NFL Predictions, NFL Picks, Tom Brady, Buccaneers - Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
NFL Predictions, NFL Picks, Tom Brady, Buccaneers - Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images /
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NFL Picks, Los Angeles Chargers, Justin Herbert – Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images /

Las Vegas Raiders (0-0) at Los Angeles Chargers (0-0)

Sunday, September 11, 4:25PM ET

How chaotic is the AFC West going to be this season? It has the makings of a bloodbath, with every team offering enough upside to sit atop the division at season’s end. This matchup between the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers will be our first glimpse at the carnage that could very well ensue.

As much potential as the Raiders possess in 2022, I can’t pick against the Chargers heading into Week 1. They’ve got all of the pieces needed to make a legitimate Super Bowl run this season, from Justin Herbert under center to a dangerous pass-rushing duo. This roster is DEEP, and the Raiders are going to experience first-hand the damage they can do on Sundays.

Now that’s not to say Las Vegas is going to get run over. Derek Carr will make some plays when the offensive line manages to protect him — he does now have Davante Adams to throw to, after all. And while the Raiders have their own dynamic duo on the edge, their defense isn’t nearly as well-rounded as Los Angeles’ is.

This figures to be a high-scoring affair, with the defenses chipping in their own touchdown or two. Ultimately, the Chargers come away with the early season divisional win while putting the rest of the NFL on notice.

Prediction: Chargers win 37-32

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