Raiders (1-2) AT Chargers (1-2)
When: Sunday, 1:05 p.m.
Where: SoFi Stadium
TV/Radio: CBS; 98.7 FM; 105.5 FM/94.3 FM (Spanish)
Line: Chargers by -4.5
Notable injury designations: Chargers: DOUBTFUL: RB Austin Ekeler (ankle), OLB Joey Bosa (hamstring/toe) SB Deane Leonard (hamstring) S Derwin James (hamstring). Questionable: S Alohi Gilman (heel)
Raiders: OUT: QB Jimmy Garoppolo (concussion), CB Nate Hobbs (ankle), LB Curtis Bolton (knee). Questionable: DE Maxx Crosby )knee), DE Malcolm Koonce (groin), S Roderic Teamer (achilles)
What’s at stake? For both teams they need the victory to stay one game behind the Kansas City Chiefs. For the Chargers, it is to head into the bye week 2-2 and be able to regroup. For the Raiders, it is about breaking their two game losing skid and not giving receiver Davante Adams cause to request a trade.
Who’s better? Both teams have injuries, but still have to go with the Chargers because as long as quarterback Justin Herbert is healthy they have a chance.
Matchup to watch: Chargers secondary vs. Davante Adams. The Chargers secondary gave up a ton of yards but limited the scoring to an extent. No Jimmy G means they have to tighten up on Adams and not let him go crazy and give the Raiders a chance.
Chargers win if: they can contain Josh Jacobs. The defense still has a problem stopping the run. Jacobs hasn’t been as effective as last season but if the Chargers aren’t careful this could be the game he wakes up.
Fantasy sleeper: Keenan Allen. He has been on a tear to start the season. It will continue on Sunday.
Prediction: Chargers. If this game is going to be Brian Hoyer versus Justin Herbert then this shouldn’t be close. Alas the Chargers have a lot of injuries but they will still win. 31-20 Chargers.
