Chargers vs. Raiders: How to watch, start time and prediction
It’s Raiders week.
Resist the urge to yawn.
What was once an intense AFC West rivalry is now a bit muted with the Chargers limping into the fourth quarter of the season and the Raiders fumbling in the dark, having lost nine of their last 10 games.
The Chargers, who started the season with three straight division wins, have a chance to achieve their first sweep of the season. The Raiders look to bounce back from a humiliating two-touchdown home loss to Cleveland.
Meanwhile, the Chargers are coming off their worst loss of the season – by 29 points to Jacksonville on the road.
Despite the Raiders’ record, the home team couldn’t get comfortable.
“Raiders, it’s a rivalry,” coach Jim Harbaugh said. “And we know they’re going to bring it.”
How the Raiders can win: Get into an offensive rhythm with interim signal-caller Greg Olson solving the communication lapses that were problematic in Chip Kelly’s system. Establish a ground game with Ashton Jeanty and mix in more Brock Bowers at tight end. Protect Geno Smith, who has been sacked 18 times in the last three games, including 10 times by Cleveland last week. Chase Justin Herbert, especially out of bounds with Maxx Crosby, Malcolm Koonce and Tyree Wilson.
How the Chargers can win: As usual, protect Herbert behind a tinkering and ever-changing offensive line and get some traction with the ground game. The Raiders can apply pressure off the edge, but their linebackers struggle to cover and they are vulnerable in the corner opposite Eric Stokes. The Chargers have the receivers to get open, including Ladd McConkey and Oronde Gadsden II. The Raiders have some of the same offensive line issues as the Chargers. Smith could be in trouble.
