Sam Farmer picks winner for Thursday game between Chargers and Raiders

NFL Thursday

CHARGERS (4-5)
AT OAKLAND (4-4)

TV: 5:15 p.m. PST, Ch. 11, NFL Network.
Line: Chargers by 1.
Over/under: 49 1/2.

Sam Farmer’s pick: The Raiders will try to establish the run, and should have some luck keeping Philip Rivers off the field. When he has the ball, however, Rivers will do damage against a suspect secondary. Chargers 27, Raiders 24

Troy Aikman says: “Philip Rivers, I’ve been a big fan of his since he came into the league. I know that Ben Roethlisberger and Eli Manning have both won multiple Super Bowls, and that’s the only thing eluding Rivers. I think he’s a terrific player and gives them an opportunity every week.”

Joe Buck says: “Jon Gruden has said he hates and doesn’t believe in Thursday football. I find in professional sports, the team that complains the least is ahead of the game if not the team that’s going to win. The Chargers are thrilled to be playing on Thursday after that win against Green Bay. I think that’s meaningful.”