Raiders vs Chargers: 3 things we learned in 2021 Week 18

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 09: Las Vegas Raiders fans Marilyn Acasio (center L) and her husband Mark "Gorilla Rilla" Acasio of California hold up a banner with the word "playoffs" after the Raiders' 35-32 overtime win over the the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on January 9, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 09: Las Vegas Raiders fans Marilyn Acasio (center L) and her husband Mark "Gorilla Rilla" Acasio of California hold up a banner with the word "playoffs" after the Raiders' 35-32 overtime win over the the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on January 9, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 09: Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders and Joey Bosa #97 of the Los Angeles Chargers speak during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium on January 09, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 09: Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders and Joey Bosa #97 of the Los Angeles Chargers speak during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium on January 09, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)

Raiders vs Chargers: 3 things we learned in 2021 Week 18

The Raiders never make it easy

This somewhat ties into the first lesson, but it is hard not to mention it separately. The Raiders took the mantel of cardiac kids in 2021, and this game was no different.

Another overtime win gives them four on the season, and this game had a similar vibe to the opening night win over the Ravens. The Raiders seemed like they had won the game multiple times just to blow it and look like they were in the midst of an epic choke job. Yet somehow, they were able to pull out a win and take a few years off the lives of their fans in the process.

And it is only fitting that they finish the regular season the same way they started it.

This is not a formula that will lead to sustained success, but to come out on top in these close games for a season feels great. Too often, the Raiders have found themselves on the losing end of these games over the past 20 seasons.

Do the Raiders have a few more wild ones left in them?

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