Pleasure is within the air because the 2024 NFL season is formally underway. Week 1 sees all 32 groups in motion as followers prepare for 18 weeks of standard season gameplay. And the Las Vegas Raiders, with a brand new quarterback, are heading down I-15 for a season opener towards the Los Angeles Chargers at their shared SoFi Stadium.
The Chargers are one of the crucial intriguing groups within the NFL this season. They misplaced vital expertise on either side of the ball, together with star extensive receiver Keenan Allen. Nevertheless, they’re nonetheless led by Professional Bowl-caliber quarterback Justin Herbert, who made a splash by touchdown head coach Jim Harbaugh within the offseason.
The previous Michigan Wolverines chief was one of the crucial sought-after teaching figures within the league this offseason, and he now hopes to usher in a brand new period of Chargers soccer with Herbert on the helm.
Offensively, the Chargers are led by Herbert and a pair of latest working backs in Gus Edwards and J.Okay. Dobbins. Austin Ekeler left for the Washington Commanders within the offseason. They’ve a younger and inexperienced extensive receiver core, however there may be some intrigue with Quentin Johnston, Joshua Palmer and rookie Ladd McConkey.
Defensively, the Chargers nonetheless have some star energy with Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa and Derwin James. Whereas the staff will not be anticipated to contend for the Tremendous Bowl, they might nonetheless be an issue for groups across the league.
The Raiders, in the meantime, welcome Gardner Minshew to the combo because the beginning quarterback for the 2024 season. He outdueled Aidan O’Connell in camp to earn the beginning job, a choice that earned some nameless criticism. However the locker room has purchased in behind Antonio Pierce.
Pierce is in his first season because the full-time head coach after shedding the interim tag within the offseason. Pierce is extensively revered inside the Raiders group and hopes to provide the staff some combat in 2024.
The Raiders misplaced star working again Josh Jacobs to the Inexperienced Bay Packers within the offseason, however Zamir White figures to be a stable alternative. Their pass-catching core consists of famous person Davante Adams and tight ends Michael Mayer and rookie Brock Bowers.
The Chargers are a minus-3 favourite to win the season-opening sport, however the Raiders are a wild card able to making any staff combat tougher than they anticipated to.
Las Vegas Raiders (0-0) vs. Los Angeles Chargers (0-0)
Sunday, September 8, 1:05 p.m. PTSoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, CaliforniaTV: CBS
