Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland Raiders: Game preview and prediction
By Nick Ellis
Game Preview
The Raiders have not lost to a team with a losing record yet this season, but the Chargers are no joke. Oakland has not had a good track record against the Chargers over the last few years, and Philip Rivers does not plan on letting that change just yet.
The Raiders are going to look to do what they have done all season; feed Josh Jacobs the ball, control the clock, and let Derek Carr win the game at the end. The Chargers have a below-average run defense, so expect Josh Jacobs to have another game with over 20 carries.
On the other side, the Raiders have one of the worst passing defenses in the NFL, so expect a big game out of Philip Rivers and Keenan Allen. The Chargers will more than likely struggle to run the ball against the Raiders, but that does not mean Gordon and Ekeler will not have big roles in this game. The Chargers will look to not only destroy the Raiders with the deep ball but will pick them apart throwing to their running backs out of the backfield.
The health of the Raiders offensive line will be important in this game. Even though Oakland’s offensive line has played well no matter who is in the game, an offensive line without Trent Brown with Joey Bosa on the field will not fare well for the Raiders. The Chargers have a banged-up offensive line, as well, but with the lack of pass rush from Oakland, it may not matter.