At minimum, the Week 2 matchup between the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers seemed lined up to be one between two 1-0 squads. But the Chargers didn't hold up their end, losing in surprisingly dismal fashion to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season.
The Chargers also have a notable list of injuries heading into this week's AFC West matchup. The Raiders aren't dealing with anything like that, thankfully, but the potential absence of tight end Brock Bowers for the second straight week looms large.
Michael Mayer is a fine fill-in, but he's not on Bowers' level as a threat opposing defenses have to devote resources to. That being said, Bowers should absolutely be held out of Sunday's game if there's any question about his health. His long-term availability is more important than one game.
Bowers' likely absence, though, diminishes the Raiders greatly and gives the Chargers an advantage in one obvious fell swoop. And in regard to a particular Chargers' defender, he'd be freed up to try to wreak different layers of havoc if he doesn't have to worry about Bowers: Derwin James Jr.
Derwin James will be extra big thorn in Raiders' side if Brock Bowers is out
A five-time Pro Bowler and a one-time First Team All-Pro, Derwin James Jr. is one of, if not the best safeties in the NFL. He is also incredibly versatile, operating as everything from a traditional free safety to a slot corner to an in-the-box defender and blitzer. Essentially, he's a defensive weapon.
In 12 career games against the Raiders, James has averaged roughly six total tackles per game. It's also fair to say that the raw numbers don't totally reflect his impact, since they can't measure the general aura of his presence. He is just generally a pest against Las Vegas, and a major impacter.
Maybe something changes with a capable play caller and a Raiders offense that actually looks functional. A world exists where Klint Kubiak can neutralize James. But he is still absolutely someone who can and will thwart plans which otherwise look good; game planning only does so much.
In four career games against the Chargers, Bowers has a modest 19 receptions (on 29 targets) for 209 yards and three touchdowns with at least eight targets three times. According to Pro Football Focus, he has totaled three catches for 16 yards with James covering him, including one touchdown.
If Bowers is out on Sunday, as he should be, all things considered, James will be freed up to do other things. Like be an extra man in the box against the Raiders' run game or add to the Chargers' pass rush, which showed in Week 1 that it needs help, as a blitzer.
Until he's no longer a Charger or his career is over, James is going to be a thorn in the side of the Raiders' offense no matter what. But Bowers' absence this week would remove a notable source of attention that can't be fully replicated, even if the greater good says Bowers should be in street clothes on Sunday.
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