Raiders vs Chargers 2022 Week 13: Things to watch for
By Brad Weiss
The Las Vegas Raiders take on the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 13, and here are some things to keep an eye on in the matchup.
After winning two straight games for the first time this season, the Las Vegas Raiders will now head home to take on a divisional rival in the Los Angeles Chargers. Many expected both of these teams’ records to be better at the beginning of the season, and with the Chargers looking to make a playoff push, the Raiders stand in their way.
Sitting at 4-7, the playoffs are a longshot for the Raiders, but if they are to pull off a miracle for the second straight season, it starts Sunday inside Allegiant Stadium. With that said, let us look at some key things to keep an eye on this week.
Raiders vs Chargers 2022 Week 13: Things to watch for
Will Josh Jacobs play?
This past weekend, we saw the very best of Josh Jacobs, as he combined for over 300 yards of total offense. It was a legendary performance by the former first-round pick and has all of Raider Nation wondering what the team plans to do with him after this season.
However, we live in the here and now, and right now, Jacobs is still dealing with a calf injury. He is going to be very limited at practice this week, but if he is ready to go, he will do so against a very bad Chargers run defense, giving the Silver and Black a huge advantage.
Can the Raiders continue to win games late?
Throughout their tough start to the season, the Raiders were losing close games at an incredible pace, as well as blowing seemingly insurmountable leads. That has changed in recent weeks, as they worked overtime to beat both Seattle and Denver in Weeks 11 and 12.
These two teams are no strangers to going down to the wire, and I believe this Week 13 matchup will have the same kind of feel. Las Vegas has more than enough talent to beat the Chargers on Sunday, but they may have to win the game late in order to move to 5-7 and win their third straight.
Stopping Justin Herbert
It is no big secret that Justin Herbert has had his successes against this Raiders defense, and that is likely to be the case again on Sunday. Herbert is one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL, but he has had his struggles this season, as the Chargers have dealt with injuries to both Mike Williams and Keenan Allen.
Williams may be out in this one, so that is something to keep an eye on, but limiting the damage done by Herbert has to be priority No. 1 in Week 13. If the defense can get the kind of pressure they have been getting the last two weeks against a banged-up Los Angeles offensive line, it could lead to the Silver and Black having their best game against a very talented quarterback.