5 keys to victory for Raiders vs. Chargers in Week 17

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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 17: Marshawn Lynch No. 24 of the Oakland Raiders warms up prior to their game against the Dallas Cowboys at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Don Feria/Getty Images) /

Run the ball on the worst run defense in football.

Let’s be real. The Raiders won’t have the upper hand in most facets of this ball game. Sure, the StubHub Center in Carson could be 80 percent Silver and Black, so that helps. However, Los Angeles has the better passing game, the better pass defense and at least as good of a pass rush.

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That being said, the Raiders do have two things working heavily in their favor when they are offense. Oakland has a great trio of interior offensive linemen in left guard Kelechi Osemele, center Rodney Hudson and right guard Gabe Jackson. Veteran running back Marshawn Lynch has a shot at getting to 10,000 career rushing yards on Sunday. Los Angeles also has the worst run defense in football.

So just pound the rock, baby! Lynch had his first fumble of the season in Week 16’s road loss to the Eagles. When he’s getting carries in the teens, the Raiders offense has the necessary balance to compete in ball games. With the Chargers allowing 4.9 yards per rush attempt, this could be a field day for Lynch and the Oakland rushing attack.

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This will allow the Raiders to maybe dominate time of possession. Having the road crowd actually in their favor could definitely help. There are multiple pathways to victory for the Raiders in this game. However, they are all contingent on running the football with conviction. If Lynch is the best player on Sunday, Oakland will likely win this AFC West rivalry game to end the 2017 NFL season on a high note.

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