Before the Las Vegas Raiders kick off Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season against their rival Los Angeles Chargers, there are a few matchup details to consider for projections. First of all, both teams have key injuries that will reshape game plans for Sunday's contest.
While it wouldn't be a surprise to see All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers sit out another game after undergoing a meniscus trim last week, the Raiders must adjust their pass coverage without cornerback Darien Porter. The Chargers will also be down a starter in the secondary.
Let's take a look at the matchups between these teams to make three Raiders predictions for Week 2.
Three young Raiders can lead the charge for an upset in Los Angeles
Tre Tucker leads Raiders in receiving yards
Tre Tucker had a quiet season-opening performance, hauling in two of four targets for 27 yards. For most of the contest, the Raiders' passing offense took a backseat to their ground attack, which was led by Ashton Jeanty's 102 yards. The lead running back also led the team with 45 receiving yards.
This week, the Raiders may see more opportunities on the deep end of the field with Chargers free safety Elijah Molden on the sideline. Still, Kirk Cousins needs to do his part to make those explosive plays.
According to Pro Football Focus, Cousins completed one of seven pass attempts for 21 yards and two interceptions on throws of 10-plus yards downfield in Week 1. If the Chargers don't respect the Raiders' deep-passing attack and load the box against Jeanty, he must make them pay.
As a rookie, Tucker averaged 17.3 yards per reception, with an aDOT (average depth of target) of 18.5 yards. He can track the deep ball well. Cousins has to put the ball in the right spot for him, right where Molden would've lined up.
Tonka Hemingway records his first sack of the season
Last Sunday, Maxx Crosby and Kwity Paye wreaked havoc on the Miami Dolphins' offensive line, recording 14 pressures and 3.5 sacks combined. But they'll have tough matchups this Sunday against Pro Bowl-caliber offensive tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt.
While Crosby and Paye could still impact the game, the Raiders' most favorable matchups at the line of scrimmage will be on the interior. In the Chargers' Week 1 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, right guard Cole Strange allowed five pressures, per Pro Football Focus.
Tonka Hemingway and Jonah Laulu should be able to take advantage of him on passing downs. Both are young defensive tackles who logged four sacks apiece last season.
In Week 1, Hemingway played 32 defensive snaps, and Laulu saw the field for 19. Now, in more of a lead role, the former has the best shot to test the Chargers' biggest weakness on the interior of their offensive line.
Coming off an impressive offseason, Hemingway could be on the fast-track to becoming the Raiders' best interior pass rusher. He can make his first iron-clad case on Sunday.
Hezekiah Masses leads Raiders in pass breakups
Without Porter, who is nursing a foot injury, the Raiders will likely turn to one of their rookie corners to fill a void in the secondary. Fifth-rounder Hezekiah Masses competed with Porter for the starting job at training camp. Coming off a torn ACL, fourth-rounder Jermod McCoy saw most of his reps with the second-team defense.
Expect Masses to get the first crack as a fill-in for Porter, and for the Chargers to target him early in the game. Last week, he played 10 defensive snaps and broke up the first pass thrown his way. And though McCoy was active, he didn't play a snap on defense or on special teams.
Because Masses could see a lot of action in his first NFL start, he's more likely to lead the team in pass breakups, though it would be a huge confidence boost if the rookie accomplishes that feat while slowing down Quentin Johnston, who's fared well against the Raiders' defense in recent matchups.
Moe Moton writes about the Raiders for Just Blog Baby. You can follow him on Twitter at @MoeMoton.
Add us as a preferred source on Google