The Oakland Raiders are currently in the midst of a three-game slide and are desperately in need of a win; luckily enough for them, the (1-4) Los Angeles Chargers are next up on the schedule in the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum. While the Raiders have not been playing a winning brand of football lately, there have been some positives and here are 5 reasons why the Raiders will win on Sunday.
1. Poor Chargers Run defense
The Chargers have allowed 806 yards on the ground, the most in the league, and are surrendering (5.0) yards per carry as well as 161.2 yards per game. Chargers have allowed six runs of 20+ yards and two runs of 40+ yards. For a Raiders team rediscovering the run game, this week is a good one to get back on track and aid the defense.
2. The Raiders scoring defense is better than the Los Angeles Chargers scoring offense
The Raiders are only allowing an average of 21.8 points per game, while the Chargers are averaging two points less at 19.8 points per game. The Raiders defense has also been charged with points which shouldn’t be reflected in their efforts. Opposing teams defensive touchdowns, starting defensive drives inside scoring range, and holding teams to field goals, rather than giving up six. Little nuances like these are lost on the average number, but not on me.
3. Look for Amari Cooper to have a big day
If Cooper’s pattern of production and targets holds true, as Maurice Moton shared via his Twitter, he’s in for a big game.
Cooper vs #Chargers
Gm 1: 5 recs, 133 yds, TD
Gm 2: 2 recs, 10 yds
Gm 3: 6 recs, 138 yds, TD
Gm 4: 1 rec, 28 yds
Gm 5: ?#Raiders— Maurice Moton (@MoeMoton) October 13, 2017
4. Derek Carr is going to do his damn job all over the Chargers defense.
“Derek is our leader, Derek is our triggerman.” -Jack del Rio
In his weekly press conference, Carr admitted to having some back pain. He also shared that he feels the offense needs to be more efficient. Each man needs only do their individual jobs and take what the defense gives them. When the big plays are there, make them. The Raiders are winless and often appear lethargic at times when Carr is not suited up and playing, and they need him to snap out of his funk and regain his Pro Bowl form.
5. Jack Del Rio is fully aware more than anyone how important this game is and will do everything in his power to have them ready to play.
Our focus is winning the next game, I mean we have got to win the next game, that’s what we’re after. Nevermind about the standings, I think for us right now, get a win. It’s a division game, it’s an AFC game, there’s a lot of reasons why it’s really important and of course it’s great to get a win.
The Los Angeles Chargers are the most “snakebitten” team in the league, finding creative ways to lose close games. Needing to rebound after three tough weeks and finding themselves in yet another favorable matchup at home, the Raiders need this win and should get this win. The Chargers welcome rookie Mike Williams to the field for the first time in what should prove to be an equally advantageous matchup for the Chargers. It’s a division matchup and should prove to be an entertaining game going down to the wire.
Raiders 24 Chargers 20
All stats courtesy of Pro Football Reference and NFL.com