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Las Vegas Raiders X-Factors against the Chargers in 2022 Week 1

By Pete Hernandez III

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 04: Running back Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders rushes past outside linebacker Kyzir White #44 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half at SoFi Stadium on October 4, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 04: Running back Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders rushes past outside linebacker Kyzir White #44 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half at SoFi Stadium on October 4, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 26: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs onto the field for warmups before a preseason game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium on August 26, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Patriots 23-6. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders X-Factors against the Chargers in 2022 Week 1

Red-zone efficiency

The Raiders were sixth in the NFL last season in total passing yards (4,567) and yet ranked just 18th in points scored per game (22.0 PPG). Las Vegas could move the chains and stretch the field, but putting seven points on the board at the end of drives was a different story.

Despite being one of the better teams through the air, the Raiders finished just 29th in red zone touchdown scoring percentage (49.2%).

To keep pace with the loaded AFC West and with their division rival Chargers on Sunday, Las Vegas has to finish drives with a touchdown, not just a field goal. Ideally, that goal should be much easier when you have Adams, Renfrow, and Waller lining up together.

The icing on the cake is that a season ago the Chargers ranked 27th in opponent red zone touchdown scoring percentage (64.1%).

Next. Matchups the Raiders must win vs Chargers. dark

Las Vegas should be able to move the ball against the Chargers’ defense thanks to the loaded talent they have on the outside, but the true x-factor will be turning drives into six points on the scoreboard. The Chargers’ track record shows they can be leaky in the endzone, but Sunday’s performance in the red zone could determine whether Las Vegas starts the season 1-0 or 0-1.

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