The Las Vegas Raiders will travel to SoFi Stadium this weekend and challenge the Brandon Staley-led Los Angeles Chargers. With both teams sitting at a measly 1-2 on the year, this matchup has the feel of a “make it or break it” contest for each respective team. Stars like Davante Adams and Josh Jacobs must make their presence felt.
Raiders vs. Chargers: A Battle Of Attrition
The Chargers entered the new campaign with Super Bowl ambitions. Justin Herbert is one of the most talented passers in the league, and on paper, the roster is stacked from top to bottom. However, as is often the case, the Bolts are dealing with a considerable number of injuries.
Herbert will be missing an All-Pro center as Corey Linsley made his way to the Injured Reserve list earlier in the week. Star running back Austin Ekeler is doubtful to play, and the exciting wideout, Mike Williams, is on the shelf for the rest of the season with a devastating knee injury.
Going further, the Chargers could also be without Derwin James, Joey Bosa, and Alohi Gilman, three key starters on the defensive end. This should all set up for an easy Raiders victory, right? Right?!
As far as Vegas goes, a handful of players enter the game with an injury designation. Maxx Crosby missed practice on Thursday before returning in limited fashion on Friday, a knee injury being the reason. Jimmy Garoppolo (concussion) and Nate Hobbs (ankle) are out, while Malcolm Koonce (groin) is questionable.
With the injury breakdown out of the way, let’s pivot elsewhere and zero in on three bold predictions for the Raiders-Chargers showdown. First, could a record-breaking day be on the horizon for one Davante Adams?
Bold Prediction No. 1: Davante Adams Sets New Career-High In Receiving Yards For Raiders
During his illustrious career with the Green Bay Packers, Davante Adams set a career-high with 206 receiving yards in a single game. That came all the way back in 2021 when the superstar receiver was still hauling in passes from Aaron Rodgers.
In Adams’ first season with the Silver and Black, he nearly matched this absurd number against — you guessed it — the Los Angeles Chargers. He caught eight passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns in a December battle with the Bolts.
A lot has changed since then, specifically the quarterback room in Sin City. But make no mistake, Adams will once again dominate this porous Chargers secondary. Though the rookie, Aidan O’Connell, will likely get the nod, I predict the 2022 All-Pro will surpass 177 yards through the air by shredding the defense early and often.
Bold Prediction No. 2: Jakorian Bennett Notches First Career Interception
Raiders rookie Jakorian Bennett has had a rough go of it in his debut season. While his flashes of brilliance are undeniable, far too many inconsistencies still litter his tape. An abysmal 44.5 PFF coverage grade tells the story, as Bennett’s three penalties and inability to disrupt passing lanes consistently have weighed down his performance thus far.
But Sunday will be the first step toward the Maryland alum realizing his otherworldly potential. Justin Herbert is yet to throw an interception on the year, sporting a sparkling 74.4 completion percentage on 121 passing attempts. Herbert hasn’t been picked off in his past five regular season games.
But Jakorian Bennett will change that. Given how athletic the young defender is, including mystifying 4.3 speed, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him return the interception for six points the other way. I’m calling my shot with the first-year cornerback.
Bold Prediction No. 3: Josh Jacobs Finally Breaks Off A Long Run For Vegas
Josh Jacobs’ well-publicized holdout came to an end not long before the regular season commenced. In the first three weeks, it is clear that Jacobs has been a bit rusty as a runner. Granted, the offensive line is one of the worst in the league at creating lanes for their ball carriers — but I digress.
Even with the lackluster play from the front line, Jacobs himself has been slow off the snap and is still working on finding the trademark vision that allowed him to become a 2022 first-team All-Pro. The Week 4 game vs. the Chargers presents a great “get right” opportunity for the superstar running back.
Los Angeles boasts a bottom-four run defense (via PFF) in 2023. The unit could be missing as many as five starters on the day, giving Jacobs and Co. a favorable matchup. If O’Connell can do enough in the passing attack, it should allow for some easy running lanes. Expect Jacobs to challenge for 100 yards and record his longest rush of the season, which currently sits at an embarrassing 10 yards.
*Top Photo: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
