Raiders vs Chargers: 3 surprises from the 2021 Week 18 victory

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Jan 9, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders fans celebrate after the Raiders defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 35-32 to earn a playoff spot at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

Raiders vs Chargers: 3 Surprises from the 2021 Week 18 victory

Raiders advance to the AFC Playoffs

The biggest surprise was the outcome, as the Raiders saw an early 10-0 lead disappear, as the Chargers score 14 straight to take the lead in the second quarter. Las Vegas would find the end zone before halftime, which was crucial, as Los Angeles was to get the ball back to start the second half, and the team really had no answer for Justin Herbert in that second quarter.

Up 17-14 at the half, the Raiders would then score 12 straight points of their own, taking a 29-14 lead in the third quarter, a lead that quickly evaporated as the Chargers then went on a 15-0 run of their own. Los Angeles scored a touchdown as regulation expired, forcing overtime, and a chance for the two teams to tie and both make the playoffs.

Nov 17, 2019; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) carries the ball as Cincinnati Bengals free safety Jessie Bates (30) closes in during the fourth quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders Game Saturday: Raiders vs Cincinnati odds and prediction for NFL Wild Card game

The Raiders punched their ticket to the playoffs on Sunday night, and here is our early odds and prediction for the Wild Card matchup against Cincinnati.

However, as we stated earlier, that was not the case, as the Raiders kicked a last-second field goal to eliminate their hated division rival from playoff contention. The win netted the Raiders the No. 5 seed and a trip to Cincinnati, something that nobody could have ever guessed when they were sitting at 6-7 after being blown out by Kansas City.

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