The Las Vegas Raiders battle it out against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 13, and here are some reasonable expectations for them in the matchup.
Week 13 brings an AFC West battle to Allegiant Stadium, as the Las Vegas Raiders will take on the Los Angeles Chargers in a must-win game for both franchises. The Chargers come into this game sitting at 6-5 and will need a strong push to make the playoffs in 2022, while the 4-7 Raiders are just trying to get back to being in the mix.
Las Vegas did not do themselves any favors by starting out 2-7 and losing some very winnable games, but they have banded back in Weeks 11 and 12, beating Denver and Seattle in overtime. Now, they head home for the Chargers, in a game that should be one of the best of the NFL’s Week 13 slate.
Here, we look at some reasonable expectations for the Silver and Black on Sunday.
Expectations for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022 Week 13 vs Chargers
Run, Josh, Run
The game plan was clear for Las Vegas last weekend in Seattle, and that was to get the football into Josh Jacobs’ hands. The veteran running back responded with over 300 all-purpose yards, putting together a performance for the ages, and doing so with a hurting calf muscle.
In Week 13, if healthy, that has to be the gameplan once again, as the Chargers are absolutely atrocious against the run. If Jacobs can go, another 100-plus yard game is definitely in the cards for 28.
Carr outplays Herbert
Despite a few heartbreaking losses in November, Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr was one of the best in the game. In fact, he is having a much better season than most of the national media is giving him credit for, and is doing so in a brand new system for the 4,000th time in his career.
On Sunday, he will be taking one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL, but with the Chargers thin along the offensive line, Carr has a chance to outplay Justin Herbert. If he can do so, it will go a long way toward the Raiders beating their divisional rival at home.
The Raiders win the game
The Silver and Black started the week as underdogs at home against the Chargers, but they have shifted into the favorite role as the week has gone on. This is a game that the Raiders can, and should win, especially being at home, and especially with the Chargers banged up along the offensive line.
Las Vegas Raiders vs Chargers 2022 Week 13: Key matchups to watch
The Las Vegas Raiders will look to split the season series against the Chargers in Week 13. Here are the key matchups to watch for on Sunday.
With a win, Las Vegas moves to 5-7 on the season, which is a far cry from what they looked like after falling to 2-7 a few weeks back. Los Angeles is prime for the taking on Sunday, and with another balanced gameplan by Josh McDaniels, Las Vegas should take care of business.