Las Vegas Raiders at Chargers 2022 Week 1: Bold Predictions

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 09: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders passes during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 09: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders passes during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 09: Running back Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders carries the ball on a touchdown run against the Los Angles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 09: Running back Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders carries the ball on a touchdown run against the Los Angles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)

Las Vegas Raiders at Chargers 2022 Week 1: 3 Bold Predictions

Jacobs rushes for over 100 yards and finds the end zone

Analysts may be enamored with the likes of Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack on the defensive line and the talent in the secondary with Derwin James, but the Chargers’ defense still has a fatal flaw: their rushing defense. In 2021, Los Angeles ranked 30th with an average of 138.9 rushing yards surrendered per game.

Back when the Raiders eliminated the Chargers from playoff contention in Week 18 of last season, Josh Jacobs had 26 carries for 132 yards and a touchdown. Los Angeles may have added depth up front and fortified their secondary, but their ability to stop the run still remains to be seen in 2022.

Jacobs already has experience in having his way on the ground against the Chargers, and he should be extra motivated in a year that will very much determine his next contract. Expect him to run hard and angry, and we’re anticipating he finds the endzone with another 100+ yard rushing performance in the box score as well.

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