The Oakland Raiders took on their AFC West Rivals in the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 16 needing a win to keep their postseason hopes alive. Oakland came out firing on all cylinders for the first time in a few games, bolstered by the return of rookie receiver Hunter Renfrow, leading them to a 24-17 victory to move to 7-8 on the season.
First Quarter
After a few penalties on the Los Angeles Chargers in their opening drive, they were faced with a third-and-long, punting it away on the next play. The Raiders made quick work to capitalize on the Chargers mistakes. Derek Carr started the drive with an 11-yard pass to Darren Waller, but the big blow came two plays later when Carr hit Renfrow for a 56-yard touchdown pass.
The Raiders defense looked impressive once more, forcing yet another three-and-out. On the other end, the Raiders offense struggled. Unfortunately, the Raiders were once again dealing with a number of injuries in Week 16. Richie Incognito and Josh Jacobs both missed the game due to injuries, and during the Raiders second drive DeAndre Washington was injured, removing him from the game. Without a run game, the Raiders offense struggled to come up with momentum.
Second Quarter
The second quarter started with a Chargers punt and the Raiders quickly followed suit. With limited options at running back, the Raiders found some success passing the ball. Josh Mauro had a big day for the Raiders defense, creating numerous problems for Los Angeles in the first half. However, it was not enough as the Chargers scored with less than two minutes remaining to tie the game at seven.
Oakland was not going to be outdone though as they put together an impressive 72-yard touchdown drive in less to score just before the end of the half. After converting on all seven of his pass attempts, Carr eventually ran it in for the touchdown to put his team back out in front at 14-7.
Third Quarter
Washington returned to start the second half and definitely helped shake the Raiders offense up. His success was eventually culminated in his third touchdown of the season, bringing the score to 21-7 after back-to-back outstanding drives bookended by halftime.
The Chargers answered back with a strong run game of their own, however, and got back within a score at 21-14 at the end of the third quarter.
Fourth Quarter
With just one possession for each team in the third, the Raiders kept the same game plan by running clock with a methodical drive to start the fourth. The Raiders continually looked to Renfrow and Washington to provide them with offense. Renfrow notched his sixth reception to start the fourth quarter, putting him over 100 receiving yards for the first time in his career.
Renfrow and Washington could only take the Raiders so far though as they settled for a field goal, bringing the score up to 24-14.
Throughout the second half, the largely Raiders’ crowd seemed to affect the Chargers offense despite the game being in Los Angeles. Rivers was sacked and they failed to convert on the following third-and-long. After a Raiders drive that took more time off the clock but added no points, the Chargers took over once more with under four minutes remaining, eventually converting on a field goal.
Unfortunately, Trayvon Mullen was badly hurt during the drive, being taken out on a stretcher after colliding with a teammate and suffering a head/neck injury.
Oakland was able to recover the ensuing onside kick though and ran the clock out, coming away with a victory.
With the Raiders’ timely win, they have kept their playoff hopes alive. Although it will take the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans both losing their final games, and the Indianapolis Colts and the Raiders winning theirs, there is still a chance.
