After a rough season, the Las Vegas Raiders will look to end this regular season on a high note as they look for their third consecutive win against the Los Angeles Chargers, who are getting ready for the playoffs. The Chargers are guaranteed at least the sixth seed in the AFC but can move up to fifth with a win and a Pittsburgh Steelers loss, so they still have something to play for.
It won’t be easy for the Raiders against this Chargers defense that has allowed the fewest points in the NFL. They rank sixth in the league in sacks with multiple players who can get to the quarterback, including Tuli Tuipulotu, Joey Bosa and former Raiders star Khalil Mack. Aidan O’Connell must also always have eyes on safety. Derwin James, one of the most well-rounded safeties in the NFL, is just as capable of picking off a pass as he is making a play in the backfield.
Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers have continued to be the top targets for O’Connell, and that should only continue here. However, the Raiders also got a huge game on the ground from Ameer Abdullah against the Saints. The Chargers are a bit more susceptible on the ground, so if the Raiders can establish the run game, it would make things much easier.
Defensively, the Raiders have to put pressure on Justin Herbert and not let the quarterback be comfortable in the pocket all day. Containing running back J.K. Dobbins must also be a priority as the Chargers prefer to use the ground game to set up their passing, so K’Lavon Chaisson and Adam Butler must be strong up front.
The secondary must be locked in on rookie Ladd McConkey, Herbert’s favorite target through the air. Expect Jack Jones to spend a lot of time on McConkey, assuming he suits up, as he is dealing with a toe injury, and his availability is unclear. But the Raiders secondary can’t relax with Quentin Johnston being a target, while rookie running back Kimani Vidal has also emerged in recent weeks as another weapon.
This season hasn’t gone how the Raiders have wanted it, but head coach Antonio Pierce has kept this team engaged and playing hard all season long. These players and coaches still have plenty to play for, and ending the year with a win over a division rival would go a long way toward strengthening Pierce’s case for another year at the helm.
Las Vegas Raiders (4-12) vs. Los Angeles Chargers (10-6)
1:25 pm PT Sunday, January 5, 2025
Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada
TV: CBS
