If you follow the Las Vegas Raiders closely, the story heading into the season was how tough the first five games of the year would be. Could the Raiders survive and stay afloat?
While the game-to-game performance was mixed, Las Vegas entered their Week 6 bye with a 3-2 record. After a demolition at the hands of Tom Brady put them at .500, the Raiders rebounded to survive the elements en route to a road win against the 5-2 Browns.
With all that in the rearview, now comes arguably the most critical (and telling) three-game stretch of the season: three straight divisional tilts, beginning this Sunday against the confusing Los Angeles Chargers. If the Raiders can go 2-1 and move to 6-4 with a 3-1 divisional record, it would set them up well for the stretch run — but before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let’s talk about the Chargers….
You all know the story: they’ve blown a 17-point lead three times already this season despite strong play from rookie quarterback Justin Herbert. But the question remains: how do they match up with the Raiders?
Three Observations
1) Take the over. The Chargers are second in the league in yards per game, while the Raider defense remains mediocre at best. I know some people liked seeing them win a low-scoring game last weekend, but as I wrote, that had far more to do with the weather than any improvements made by the Raiders. We know they’re fine against the run, but they’ve been brutal against the pass — which will be a problem this week.
On the other side of the ball, I believe in the Raiders offense no matter who they are playing. This week? They’re playing the 20th-best scoring defense in the league, and if each team allows their average, this game would cover the over (51.5) easily.
2) What will the edge look like? The good news for the Raiders is they may avoid seeing Joey Bosa — but the flip side is, they may be missing their left tackle at the same time. While Bosa is doubtful, Kolton Miller is currently questionable — and while Brandon Parker looked okay at right tackle last week, history tells us it could be a disaster if he’s forced into action this week. Jon Gruden called Kolton Miller one of the toughest guys he has ever coached, though, so I’d guess Miller plays Sunday.
3) Edwards breakout? The Raiders were really excited about rookie wide receiver Bryan Edwards heading into the season, but after catching just five passes in the first three games, he has missed the last four with an injury. He’s back at full strength this week, however, and so it will be interesting to see whether he reclaims the starting spot captured by Nelson Agholor in his absence. Agholor has 15 catches for 292 yards and four touchdowns this season.
Predictions
1) I think this is the week Henry Ruggs III breaks out. The Raiders keep talking about the need to get him involved more intentionally, and a matchup against this defense might be exactly what the doctor ordered. With Chris Harris Jr. already out for the game and Casey Heyward is questionable, this could be the most favorable matchup Ruggs has seen yet.
Prediction: 6 catches, 110 yards, 1 TD
2) Look, the Chargers are a lot better than their record shows. Yes, it’s embarrassing to blow all those leads, but it’s also impressive to have built them to begin with. That said, I just think the Raiders are a better football team right now and I think they’re starting to believe they belong in the playoff conversation. I think it’ll be close (no comeback required Charger fans), but I think Carr and the offense move the sticks when they need to and win with a last-second field goal from Daniel Carlson.
Prediction: 31-30 Raiders
