Chargers-Raiders matchup a fitting finale
NEW YORK — What the NFL covets for the regular-season finale is a pivotal game, a win-or-else matchup.
The league got it with the Raiders hosting the Chargers on Sunday night. Barring a tie, either Las Vegas or Los Angeles will be heading to the playoffs. Pretty cool for these two AFC West rivals, and for the NFL overall.
“I think we all know what’s at stake here on both sides. It’s a huge game,” Chargers edge rusher Joey Bosa says. “These are the kinds of games that you wish you were playing this time of year — and we are this year. It’s just a great opportunity for both sides.
“I think we all grasp that, for sure. I think all of the coaches have a really great sense of urgency along with everybody this week. We definitely understand what’s at stake.”
A tiny bit more might be at stake for the Chargers, because Las Vegas still could get into the post-season if it loses. It would need lots of help elsewhere in that scenario — one the Raiders don’t want to contemplate.
“I think it’s going to be exciting. I think it’ll be loud. It’s basically our playoff game for our fans and all that kind of stuff,” Raiders quarterback Derek Carr said. “So, what an exciting time for the last game of the season to mean so much for our city and for our organization.
“To think about where we’ve come from, to see where we’re at today with a chance against a really good football team, it’s exciting. And hopefully it’s a loud atmosphere. Las Vegas, we need you.”
The Chargers are three-point favourites at the Raiders in the prime-time conclusion to the first 17-game season in league history. It’ll be close. RAIDERS, 23-22
TODAY
Kansas City (minus 10) at Denver
The Chiefs need a full performance on both sides of the ball heading into the playoffs. CHIEFS, 30-16
Dallas (minus 4 1/2) at Philadelphia
Both teams are in the postseason, and it’s impossible to know who will be on the field. DALLAS, 19-13
SUNDAY
Washington (minus 6 1/2) at N.Y. Giants
The question is whether the Giants will find the end zone. WASHINGTON, 19-6
Tennessee (minus 10 1/2) at Houston
The Titans, despite suiting up everyone but Tim McGraw this season, will earn the top AFC seed.
TITANS, 26-13
N.Y. Jets (plus 16 1/2) at Buffalo Though we don’t see a long stay in the playoffs, the Bills grab the AFC East.
BILLS, 27-13
Green Bay (minus 2 1/2) at Detroit
Time for Aaron Rodgers to rest his ailing toe? Could be. PACKERS, 19-16
Indianapolis (minus 15) at Jacksonville
Indy gets a wild-card berth and could be dangerous next weekend. COLTS, 30-12
Pittsburgh (plus 5 1/2) at Baltimore
Our favourite NFL rivalry. Too bad it has sunk to this. RAVENS, 20-17
Cincinnati (plus 5 1/2) at Cleveland
The Bengals are the AFC North champs. We repeat, the Bengals are the AFC North champs. BROWNS, 20-13
San Francisco (plus 4) at L.A. Rams
Long-time rivals with plenty on the line. The Rams get the NFC West crown.
RAMS, 22-20
Seattle (plus 6 1/2) at Arizona The Cardinals went from the NFC’s top seed to a wild card. CARDINALS, 24-15
Carolina (plus 8) at Tampa Bay No reason to think Tom Brady will sit out even with little on the line. BUCCANEERS, 29-17
New Orleans (minus 4) at Atlanta The Saints have used four QBs, yet are still in the playoff race. SAINTS, 20-19
Chicago (plus 5 1/2) at Minnesota Are both Matt Nagy and Mike Zimmer working their last game as a head coach? VIKINGS, 23-16
New England (minus 6) at Miami Brian Flores did a terrific job with Miami after a 1-7 start. PATRIOTS, 27-17
2021 RECORD:
Last Week: Straight up: 13-3 Against spread: 10-6 Season: Straight up: 170-85-1 Against spread: 144-109-2