Every win and loss will count equally during the 2026 NFL season, but it's safe to say that more weight will be put on how the Las Vegas Raiders perform in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers than on how they did against the Miami Dolphins on opening weekend.
This will be a tough matchup for Klint Kubiak's young squad and staff against a veteran Chargers roster and set of coaches, but the Silver and Black should be up to the task. After all, Los Angeles looked atrocious against the Arizona Cardinals last Sunday, so the Raiders have more momentum.
It should be an exciting matchup between these two bitter AFC West rivals, and there is a ton to dissect about this faceoff. To follow along, stay right here, as we've got you covered with the latest injury updates, storylines to watch, expert predictions, and more.
- How to watch Raiders vs. Chargers in Week 2
- Raiders injury report for Week 2
- Chargers injury report for Week 2
- Biggest Raiders storylines heading into Week 2
- Predictions for Raiders vs. Chargers in Week 2
How to watch Raiders vs. Chargers in Week 2
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 20
- Time: 1:05 p.m. PT
- TV Network: CBS
- Announcers: Andrew Catalon (Play-by-Play), Logan Ryan (Analyst), AJ Ross (Sideline Reporter)
Surprise! Another Sunday afternoon game. At least this one has a sideline reporter!
Raiders injury report for Week 2
Player | Position | Injury | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Brock Bowers | TE | Knee | Doubtful |
Darien Porter | CB | Foot | OUT |
Aidan O'Connell | QB | NIR - Personal | OUT |
Ashton Jeanty | RB | Ankle | - |
Porter was ruled out with a foot injury, and O'Connell didn't travel with the team for personal reasons. Bowers is unlikely to play with a doubtful designation, but for the second straight week, Jeanty is full-go without limitations. Cody White and Chris Myarick were elevated from the practice squad again.
Chargers injury report for Week 2
Player | Position | Injury | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Ladd McConkey | WR | Rib | Questionable |
Deane Leonard | DB | Abdomen | Questionable |
Elijah Molden | SAF | Hamstring | OUT |
Trey Pipkins III | OL | Knee | OUT |
McConkey is the big question mark here, as he is a vital part of the Chargers' offensive operation, and his not playing would be a massive boost to the Raiders' secondary. Molden is also a pivotal part of their secondary, so with him out, perhaps Las Vegas can expand its air attack a bit. Pipkins III was part of a rotation at left guard last week, so with him sidelined, Los Angeles has narrowed the focus a bit.
Biggest Raiders storylines heading into Week 2
Can Kirk Cousins have success throwing downfield?
Cousins had zero success on passes of over 10 yards in Week 1, but Jacoby Brissett proved that it is possible to find explosive plays against this Chargers defense. And with Los Angeles having a solid front seven, it will be all the more important for the Raiders to keep them honest through the air.
If Cousins can do that, then the residual effect will be a lighter box for Ashton Jeanty to run through. The more success Las Vegas has on the ground, the more they control the clock, which plays in their favor. Cousins can finally get the wide receivers going as well if he can lock in on 10+ yard throws.
How will Zeke Masses (or others) fill in for Darien Porter?
With Porter out due to a foot injury, it will be on Masses, and potentially others like Jermod McCoy and Darrell Luter Jr. to step up in his absence. The Chargers don't have elite pass-catching weapons, but Quentin Johnston, in particular, stands out as a bad matchup for the rookie Masses.
To be fair, Masses has been fairly lights out since coming to Las Vegas, outside of a rough preseason opener. And the Raiders seem exceptionally confident in the young player, so if he can help limit the Los Angeles passing attack, it will go a long way in helping the Silver and Black come out on top.
Will Rob Leonard's defense meet the challenge of a better offense?
Las Vegas flat-out dominated Miami in Week 1, but Mike McDaniel and Justin Herbert present a much more daunting task. Omarion Hampton is also a solid back and the Chargers' offensive tackle duo is among the very best in the NFL. But this group has its weak links.
Without McConkey, the Los Angeles pass-catching group is pretty weak and unproven, and the interior offensive line is a complete and utter mess. If Leonard and Co. can continue to pressure the quarterback, get takeaways and learn to prevent big plays, they should fare just fine.
Predictions for Raiders vs. Chargers in Week 2
ESPN Experts
Dan Graziano - Raiders
Jason Reid - Raiders
Matt Bowen - Chargers
Mike Clay - Chargers
Jeremy Fowler - Chargers
Pamela Maldonado - Chargers
Eric Moody - Chargers
Ben Solak - Chargers
Lindsey Thiry - Chargers
Seth Wickersham - Chargers
Kalyn Kahler - Chargers
NFL Media
Bucky Brooks - Raiders
Brandon Perna - Raiders
Colleen Wolfe - Chargers
Kevin Patra - Chargers
Dan Parr - Chargers
Lance Zierlein - Chargers
Tom Grossi - Chargers
Nick Shook - Chargers
Grant Gordon - Chargers
Brooke Cersosimo - Chargers
Bleacher Report Picks
Brad Gagnon - Raiders
Brent Sobleski - Raiders
Gary Davenport - Chargers
Kristopher Knox - Chargers
Moe Moton - Chargers
Wes O'Donnell - Chargers
Ian Hanford - Chargers
Add us as a preferred source on Google