Raiders vs Chargers 2022 Week 13: Key matchups to watch

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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 11: Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders hands off to Josh Jacobs #28 during a 24-19 Los Angeles Chargers win at SoFi Stadium on September 11, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders vs Chargers 2022 Week 13: Key matchups to watch

Offense

Josh Jacobs vs Chargers run defense

Jacobs is coming off a record-setting 229 rushing yard and two touchdown performance in last week’s win over the Seahawks, and it may be far-fetched to assume he puts up another seismic performance against the Chargers. But he has the advantage in this head-to-head given Los Angeles’ track record this season against opposing tailbacks.

While their secondary has been decent in pass defense, the Chargers give up an average of 151.4 yards per game on the ground, which ranks 28th in the NFL.

Jacobs is averaging a career-high 5.4 yards per attempt this season alongside an absurd 105.4 rushing yards per game. When these two AFC West rivals last met in the season opener, the Raiders running back was limited to just 10 carries for 57 yards.

Jacobs has been playing as the best or second-best player on offense, so look for Las Vegas to feed him and exploit what is the Achilles heel of the Chargers’ defense.

Raiders O-line vs Khalil Mack

Derek Carr was sacked five times and hit nine times in the Raiders’ 24-19 loss back in Week 1, with his former teammate contributing to much of that damage. Khalil Mack finished with six total tackles, with three sacks to go along with four quarterback hits.

Las Vegas’ offensive line has fared much better as of late by allowing just one sack each of the Raiders’ past two games. Containing Mack will be key in ensuring the Raiders’ offense carries its momentum in this contest, and the absence of Joey Bosa should help ease some of the burdens for Las Vegas’ front five.

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