Spayer419
Starter
Entering the season the AFC West was billed as the most competitive division in football. That projection has rang true through 13 weeks of the season, as the Raiders and Chargers sit at 9-3 entering tonight's match-up, trailing a Kansas City team that entered the week at 10-2 by a game.
This will be the first match of the season between the divisional foes, but there is plenty of familiarity between the two sides. Last season's series was split 1-1, with the Charger's Week 16 win propelling them to an AFC West title while snapping Oakland's 10-game winning streak. The loss also put the Raiders on a two-game spiral that knocked them out of playoff contention entirely.
Tonight's game will have similar implications. The winner will remain in the thick of things for the AFC West crown, and perhaps more importantly, will fortify its claim to one of the two wildcard spots. The loser will face an uphill battle, in a conference where 10-6 wasn't enough to make the playoffs a year ago, and likely won't be enough again.
Raiders Keys To Success
Glen Cieske
Can Derek Carr lead Oakland to victory in his first start in 8 weeks?
This will be the first match of the season between the divisional foes, but there is plenty of familiarity between the two sides. Last season's series was split 1-1, with the Charger's Week 16 win propelling them to an AFC West title while snapping Oakland's 10-game winning streak. The loss also put the Raiders on a two-game spiral that knocked them out of playoff contention entirely.
Tonight's game will have similar implications. The winner will remain in the thick of things for the AFC West crown, and perhaps more importantly, will fortify its claim to one of the two wildcard spots. The loser will face an uphill battle, in a conference where 10-6 wasn't enough to make the playoffs a year ago, and likely won't be enough again.
Raiders Keys To Success
- Control the Line of Scrimmage: As divisional rivals, Oakland and San Diego are built to counter one another, and that truth is most exemplified in the trenches. This off-season the Chargers made a splash by signing Kevin Zeitler to fortify its interior run game, while the Raiders countered with the signing of Haloti Ngata to plug the middle. On the outside, Oakland boasts the best duo of rush ends in the league with Khalil Mack and Aldon Smith. If the Raiders can control the line, slow down the Chargers run game and force rookie Aerion Hunter into third-and-longs, it will bode well for the Silver and Black.
- Special teams need to be special: The Raiders and Chargers know how one another like to play, and this game can definitely devolve into a game of field position. Oakland is great in the kick, punt and return game, and will need to use this to its advantage to win the battle of field position. At the same time, San Diego has a dynamic returner itself in Rookie Ben Hall, so Oakland will have to stay vigilant in kick coverage and not allow any cheap chunk plays.
- Derek Carr's return, but a return to what?: The Raiders are excited for the return of Derek Carr, who missed 8 weeks with a torn shoulder. But will the second-year signal caller provide an upgrade at quarterback? Veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick was serviceable as a starter, but could not push the ball downfield like Carr can. Ideally, Carr's arm strength will open things up for Evonte Patrick, Denolious Hatcher and Michael Crabtree, but in the few games he's played this year Carr has struggled with accuracy - and in the week 2 loss to Carolina he threw five picks. The Raiders will need Carr to return to form, or there could be a QB controversy in Oakland. And that won't bode well for the Raiders chances, not only in this contest, but for the rest of the season .
Glen Cieske
Can Derek Carr lead Oakland to victory in his first start in 8 weeks?