Raiders vs Chargers 2022 Week 13: Game preview and prediction
By Brad Weiss
The Las Vegas Raiders take on the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 13, and here is our official preview and prediction for the matchup.
The Las Vegas Raiders will take on the Los Angeles Chargers inside Allegiant Stadium in Week 13, looking to win their third straight game after a 2-7 start to the 2022 season. It has not been the season anyone could have predicted for the Silver and Black, who made the playoffs last season and then bolstered their roster in the offseason.
Still, they are riding a two-game winning streak heading into this matchup and will be looking to impact the Chargers’ chances of making the playoffs in 2022. Los Angeles was a favorite going into this season to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender, but they have been up and down all season long.
Here, we take a look at the preview and prediction for this AFC West battle.
Raiders vs Chargers 2022 Week 13: Preview
The key to this game on Sunday will be the run game, as Las Vegas has the best in the business in Josh Jacobs, who is fresh off a 300 all-purpose yard game against Seattle a week ago. However, Jacobs is still dealing with his calf injury and has been limited all week long, so he is questionable going into this matchup.
Los Angeles struggles in a big way against the run, so the hope for the Raiders is that Jacobs is good enough to go. He will once again test out the calf prior to the game, and the franchise will make a call as to whether or not he can play.
The Chargers counter with a potent offense of their own, but they are severely short-handed up front. Corey Linsley and Trey Pipkins III are both out on Sunday, as is Mike Williams, so expect a heavy dose of Austin Ekeler and Keenan Allen.
Las Vegas has improved on defense in recent weeks, especially up front, and that is where this game will be won or lost in Week 13.
Raiders vs Chargers 2022 Week 13: Prediction
The interior of the Raiders defensive line has improved in a big way in recent weeks, and that is going to be the deciding factor on Sunday. Andrew Billings and company are getting push that the team has not had in a while, and with Maxx Crosby coming off the edge, the Raiders should get to Justin Herbert early and often in this one.
When all is said and done, I believe Jacobs will play and will have another dominant effort. In the end, the Raiders do just enough to squeeze out a home victory against the Chargers and keep their slim playoff chances alive.
Final Score: Raiders 31, Chargers 30