Raiders vs. Chargers: Keys to Victory in a High-Stakes AFC West Battle
The Las Vegas Raiders head into Week 2 with a 1-0 record after a gritty 20-13 win over the New England Patriots. Now, they face a tough divisional test against the Los Angeles Chargers, also 1-0 after upsetting the Kansas City Chiefs 27-21 in Brazil. This Monday Night Football matchup at Allegiant Stadium pits two teams looking to build momentum early in the 2025 season. The Raiders, with new QB Geno Smith under center, showed flashes of potential but also areas to fix from Week 1. The Chargers, led by Justin Herbert's sharp arm, looked explosive on offense. For the Raiders to snag a 2-0 start and take control of the AFC West, they must execute across all phases: offense, defense, and special teams. Let's break it down simply, highlight key players, and end with a fair prediction based on last week's showings.
Starting with offense, the Raiders need to find balance after a lopsided Week 1 performance. They passed for 362 yards but managed just 56 rushing yards on 24 carries, a meager 2.3 average. To beat the Chargers, who stuffed the run decently against the Chiefs (90 yards allowed), Las Vegas must commit to the ground game early. Mix in short runs to set up play-action passes, avoiding the predictability that let New England hang around. Geno Smith threw for those 362 yards on 24-of-34 completions with one touchdown, but that interception can't repeat against a Chargers secondary that picked off zero passes last week. Smith needs to protect the ball, use his legs if pressured (he was sacked four times), and target quick outs to get the rhythm going. The offensive line, which gave up those sacks, has to improve pocket protection, maybe by chipping with tight ends on blitzes.
Rookie running back Ashton Jeanty was a bright spot in his debut, helping propel the run game with efficient carries that led to the team's lone rushing touchdown. He needs to perform well again, churning out 4-5 yards per carry to keep defenses honest. If Jeanty can break a long one like his 11-yard max from Week 1, it opens up the pass. Veteran wideout Jakobi Meyers, now the WR1 and go-to guy, must step up big time. In the Patriots game, the receiving corps totaled 362 yards but only one score, Meyers likely shared targets but didn't dominate as expected in a low-output attack. He needs 80-100 yards and a touchdown to stretch the Chargers' corners, who gave up big plays to Chiefs receivers. Slot receiver Tre Tucker also steps up; his sure hands can exploit underneath routes if the run stalls. Tight end Brock Bowers, if healthy, adds a mismatch, use him in the red zone where Week 1 conversions were iffy. Overall, aim for 25-30 points by sustaining drives over 10 plays.
On defense, the Raiders' unit was the star of Week 1, holding the Pats to 13 points and 336 total yards. They forced turnovers and stopped third downs effectively. Against the Chargers, who scored 27 on the Chiefs, Las Vegas must pressure Herbert from the jump. He went 25-of-34 for 318 yards and three touchdowns with no picks, his best start in years. The Raiders' front four, led by edge rusher Maxx Crosby, needs to disrupt that. Crosby had a solid Week 1 with sacks and pressures; he must perform well again, aiming for two sacks to rattle Herbert early. Linebacker Devin White builds on his strong debut where he led the team in tackles, he needs to cover check-downs to running backs and spy Herbert's mobility. The secondary, including corner Eric Stokes, held firm last week but faces Quentin Johnston, who caught two touchdowns in Week 1. They can't let him get free on fades. Aim to limit the Chargers to under 20 points by winning the turnover battle, Week 1's one forced fumble was good, but two interceptions would seal it. Rotate fresh legs to avoid fatigue in the heat of Vegas.
Special teams often decides close games, and the Raiders can't afford mistakes here. Their kicker nailed field goals in Week 1 to secure the win, but against a Chargers punt team that flipped field position well in Brazil, punter AJ Cole needs to boom 50-yard kicks inside the 20. Returner Tre Tucker must step up, Week 1 returns were average, and a big kickoff return could swing momentum. No blocked kicks or penalties; discipline is key after nine flags for 81 yards last week.
Players who need to shine include Geno Smith, building on his debut arm strength but ditching the pick. Ashton Jeanty's burst kept the offense alive, double his yards to control the clock. Maxx Crosby's pass rush was disruptive; keep that edge to sack Herbert twice. For step-ups: Jakobi Meyers has to be the alpha receiver, not splitting touches. The offensive line, leaky in pass pro, needs to give Smith clean pockets. On defense, safety Jeremy Chinn steps up after missing tackles in Week 1, he must wrap up Johnston on slants. Running back Zamir White, if sharing with Jeanty, needs more explosion after the group's poor average.
The Chargers enter hot. Herbert diced up the Chiefs' vaunted defense, and Johnston's two scores show their big-play threat. Their run game gained 90 yards, led by Najee Harris' 48 yards on 15 carries, with rookie Omarion Hampton providing solid backup, better than the Raiders'. But Kansas City is a tougher foe than the Pats, so LA's win carries more weight. Still, the Raiders' defense travels better than their offense, and home-field energy in primetime could flip it.
Unbiased prediction: Both teams impressed in Week 1, but the Chargers' offense looked more polished—Herbert's zero-turnover efficiency and Johnston's scores give them an edge. The Raiders' run weakness and Smith's INT could hurt against an opportunistic Chargers D that forced two fumbles (recovered by LA). ESPN odds favor LA at 59%, and I have to agree. If the Raiders can get a balanced attack going, I can see them getting the win, but if not, Chargers win 24-20 in a battle from start to finish.