Las Vegas Raiders 2021 Opponent Preview: Los Angeles Chargers

The Las Vegas Raiders will kick off their AFC West slate in Week 4, taking on the Los Angeles Chargers in primetime on the road.

As per usual, the Las Vegas Raiders will play the Los Angeles Chargers twice in 2021. Last year, Las Vegas split wins with Los Angeles, with the loss coming when Derek Carr had to leave the game in the first quarter with a groin injury. Getting two wins rather than just the one is crucial if Las Vegas hopes to win the AFC West in 2021.

Here’s what’s need for Las Vegas to come out on top in both matchups:

Las Vegas Raiders 2021 Opponent Preview: Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Chargers Additions

Corey Linsley was one of the big free agent pick-ups for Los Angeles. Linsley is an All-Pro center who played for the Green Bay Packers since he was drafted back in 2014, and he’ll function as an experienced veteran on the Los Angeles line.

They also addressed the offensive line in the 2021 draft, selecting offensive tackle Rashawn Slater with the 13th overall pick. Slater, who stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs around 300 pounds, is considered to be one of the best offensive linemen in his class.

At Northwestern in 2019, Slater allowed zero sacks and one quarterback hit. He and Linsley will play an important role in Justin Herbert’s development as a franchise quarterback.

Finally, the Chargers added former Las Vegas tight end Jared Cook. Even though Cook hasn’t matched the same level of production that he did when he was with the Raiders, he is still a solid weapon to have in an offense. Cook will come in and replace Hunter Henry, who signed a three-year contract with the New England Patriots that’s worth $37.4 million.