After a tough season, the Las Vegas Raiders will look to finish this common season on a excessive word as they search for their third consecutive win towards the Los Angeles Chargers, who’re preparing for the playoffs. The Chargers are assured at the very least the sixth seed within the AFC however can transfer as much as fifth with a win and a Pittsburgh Steelers loss, in order that they nonetheless have one thing to play for.
It received’t be straightforward for the Raiders towards this Chargers protection that has allowed the fewest factors within the NFL. They rank sixth within the league in sacks with a number of gamers who can get to the quarterback, together with Tuli Tuipulotu, Joey Bosa and former Raiders star Khalil Mack. Aidan O’Connell should additionally all the time have eyes on security. Derwin James, some of the well-rounded safeties within the NFL, is simply as able to selecting off a move as he’s making a play within the backfield.
Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers have continued to be the highest targets for O’Connell, and that ought to solely proceed right here. Nevertheless, the Raiders additionally acquired an enormous sport on the bottom from Ameer Abdullah towards the Saints. The Chargers are a bit extra inclined on the bottom, so if the Raiders can set up the run sport, it could make issues a lot simpler.
Defensively, the Raiders must put strain on Justin Herbert and never let the quarterback be comfy within the pocket all day. Containing working again J.Ok. Dobbins should even be a precedence because the Chargers want to make use of the bottom sport to arrange their passing, so Ok’Lavon Chaisson and Adam Butler should be robust up entrance.
The secondary should be locked in on rookie Ladd McConkey, Herbert’s favourite goal by means of the air. Anticipate Jack Jones to spend so much of time on McConkey, assuming he fits up, as he’s coping with a toe damage, and his availability is unclear. However the Raiders secondary can’t calm down with Quentin Johnston being a goal, whereas rookie working again Kimani Vidal has additionally emerged in latest weeks as one other weapon.
This season hasn’t gone how the Raiders have needed it, however head coach Antonio Pierce has saved this workforce engaged and enjoying laborious all season lengthy. These gamers and coaches nonetheless have loads to play for, and ending the yr with a win over a division rival would go a great distance towards strengthening Pierce’s case for one more yr on the helm.
Las Vegas Raiders (4-12) vs. Los Angeles Chargers (10-6)
1:25 pm PT Sunday, January 5, 2025Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NevadaTV: CBS
