Raiders (4-3) at Chargers (2-5)
Sunday, 4:05 ET, SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Calif.
TV: Fox
Danny Sheridan’s line: Chargers by 1 1⁄
2
Raiders’ keys to victory: They need to put stress on a struggling Chargers run defense with RB Josh Jacobs. The Raiders have been gashed in the trenches and missed tackles have been an ongoing issue. That would then open up the passing game for QB Derek Carr, who has been solid this season. LA’s pass defense has been susceptible to giving up big plays in the middle of the field. Defensively, Las Vegas has to make life hard for Chargers rookie QB Justin Herbert. He has thrived even without key skill players and linemen.
Chargers’ keys to victory: Offensively, they need to stay balanced. Los Angeles is coming off a season-high performance on the ground (210 yards). That would force the Raiders to have to worry about the running game while trying to hone in on Herbert, who has made life difficult for efenses through the air. Plus, Las Vegas is allowing 283.3 passing yards per game. Los Angeles has blown leads of 16 points or more in four straight games and needs to eliminate missed tackles, blown coverages and busted assignments.
Matchup to watch: Raiders’ offense vs. Chargers’ defense. Los Angeles continues to produce on offense. However, the results haven’t matched on the other side of the ball. Las Vegas has enough offensive talent to cause fits while the Bolts have enough defensive playmakers to stymie them. It comes down to disciplined play.
Who wins? The Chargers haven’t won against an AFC West opponent since 2018. LA will likely have a lead, but the Chargers’ true colors will ultimately show. Raiders 28-24