The Chargers went into last weekends game just one point dogs against a dumpster fire of a team in the Miami Dolphins. A highly emotional, potentially last game in San Diego for the Chargers brought out the best in the team, leading them to a double digit victory in front of the home crowd. After the game the players were seen crying and even laying on the field. A dominate team win to cap off the season at home.
There we have it, the perfect recipe for a let-down game. That locker room must have been an emotional cesspool of hugs and kisses after the game. With players cleaning out their lockers, packing for the road trip, and savoring the potential last moments of the stadium on Sunday.
Conversely 484 miles north, the Raiders are planning their own emotional firework show. Monday, future First ballot Hall of Famer Charles Woodson, announced that this will be his final season in the NFL. Players and coaches said they were, "determined to send out Woodson in the right way at home."
Regression to the mean? At its core the Raiders have been a very talented and hard team to play all year. The Chargers have not. I would assume this is about a -5 Raiders line on any given week this year. With the perfect storm of emotional indifferences this has to be the lock of the yea... how about just lock of the week?
Raider -5
Sal