The Las Vegas Raiders open their 2022 season on the ‘road’ against the Los Angeles Chargers, but would a win really be considered an upset?
The time has come for the Las Vegas Raiders to kick off their 2022 season, and they will do so in an intriguing matchup in Week 1. The Silver and Black will start their regular season the same way they ended their last one, taking on division rival Los Angeles.
Both teams are considered legitimate playoff contenders this season, and this game will have some passion to it, as the Raiders eliminated the Chargers from playoff contention in Week 18 last season. Both teams did a nice job revamping their rosters this offseason, which was necessary considering the AFC West is likely to be the best division in football this season.
In this matchup, Las Vegas is getting points, but would a win really shock anyone?
Based on the oddsmakers, the Las Vegas Raiders are the underdog against Los Angeles this weekend, getting as many as 3.5 points per FanDuel Sportsbook. While that is fair, as it is a road game, and the Chargers are playoff contenders, would the Silver and Black beating the Chargers actually be considered an upset?
Raiders primed for a deep playoff run in 2022
The Raiders did an outstanding job adding not only starting talent but major depth this offseason, as they revamped both their roster and coaching staff. Derek Carr returns for his ninth season at the helm and is widely regarded as one of the better quarterbacks in the league.
He is primed for a career year in 2022, as the Raiders brought in his best friend, and elite wideout Davante Adams via trade this offseason. Adams, coupled with Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller give Carr three elite options in the passing game, and he also has a tremendous group of running backs.
On defense, all three levels have been improved, and it will be exciting to see what Patrick Graham does with so much young talent. The secondary should be much better, and veterans were added to the front-7, so overall, the defense has to take another step forward in 2022.
Las Vegas Raiders: Takeaways from the 2022 preseason and looking ahead
With the preseason all wrapped up for the Raiders, it's time to go over the takeaways. Here's what you need to know, from the team to individual players
Raiders and Chargers matchups always are dogfights, and the Raiders could have the advantage in terms of SoFi Stadium being more of a Las Vegas crowd when these two teams link up. Las Vegas is looking to make the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time in 20 years, and they can take a major step toward that goal on Sunday afternoon.