The San Diego Chargers head north for an AFC West clash against the rival Oakland Raiders. Kickoff is set for Sunday at 1:25pm PT.
A Look Back At Last Week
The Bolts look to bounce back after a loss Philip Rivers called unlike any other. Up 13 points with less than seven minutes remaining, a pair of fumbles led to two quick New Orleans Saints touchdowns as the Chargers fell 35-34.
What to Watch For…
On Offense for the Chargers
San Diego boasts the third highest scoring offense in the league, averaging 30.3 points per game. Melvin Gordon has an NFL leading six rushing touchdowns, and ranks sixth in the league with 73 total carries. He is averaging 18.3 rushing attempts per game. Meanwhile, Philip Rivers has completed 96 of 142 attempts for 1,110 yards, seven touchdowns and just one interception for a 104.5 passer rating. It is the third highest rating in the league for a quarterback who has started four games, 0.1 behind the second highest, Derek Carr.
On Offense for the Raiders
Derek Carr has the Raiders offense rolling as they rank third in total yards per game (392.3) and seventh in points per game (27.0). The third-year QB is 104 for 153 for 1,066 yards, nine touchdowns and one interception. Oakland has given up a league-low two sacks all year. Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper form a potent one-two punch at wide receiver with Crabtree catching 26 passes for 308 yards and four touchdowns on the year while Cooper has 20 for 318. On the ground, Latavius Murray leads the team with 40 carries for 172 yards (4.3 ypc) and three touchdowns, followed by DeAndre Washington with 23 rushes for 147 yards (6.4 ypc).
On Defense for the Chargers
The Chargers have forced an interception in four games to open a season for the first time since 2002. They look to make it five in a row against a quarterback who has tossed just one all year. San Diego currently ranks second in the league with six picks on the year. ILBs Denzel Perryman (26) and Jatavis Brown (21) pace the team in tackles, while Melvin Ingram leads the Bolts with 3.0 sacks.
On Defense for the Raiders
Oakland has one of the league's top pass-rushing bookends in linebackers Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin. They have combined for 3.0 sacks on the year, but must be accounted for on every snap. Safety Reggie Nelson leads the team with 31 tackles, followed by linebacker Malcolm Smith with 25.
Series History
The Chargers trail the all-time series 61-50-2, with Oakland sweeping the season-series a year ago.
By the Numbers
The Chargers rank 14th in total offense (360.8 yards per game), eighth in passing (265.8 ypg), 17th in rushing (95.0 ypg) and third in points (30.2). The Raiders rank third in total offense (392.2 ypg), ninth in passing (265.5 ypg), fifth in rushing (126.8 ypg) and seventh in points (27.0)
Defensively, the Bolts rank 21at in total defense (371.5 ypg), 27th in passing (289.5 ypg), seventh in rushing (82.0 ypg) and 24th in points allowed (27.0). Oakland ranks 32nd in total defense (460.0 ypg), 32nd in passing (325.5 ypg), 31st in rushing (134.5 ypg) and 22ndin points allowed (26.5).
Milestones on the Horizon
Philip Rivers has thrown 288 career touchdown passes, which ranks 11th in NFL history. Number 17 needs two more to tie Johnny Unitas (290) for 10th and three to tie Warren Moon (291) for ninth.
Philip Rivers is 483 passing yards shy of tying Dan Fouts' for most all-time passing yards in Chargers history. That mark would also tie Fouts for 13th in NFL history.
Antonio Gates is six touchdown catches shy of Tony Gonzalez (111) for most ever by a tight end and sixth for any player in NFL history.
Noteworthy vs. the Raiders
In 2013, Philip Rivers passed for 411 yards at Oakland to become the first quarterback in Chargers history with back-to-back 400-yard games. It was his team-record third 400-yard game of the season and the sixth of his career, tying Dan Fouts for most in team history. Rivers also threw the 201st and 202nd touchdown passes of his career that same day to pass John Hadl for second in team history. Number 17 has played 20 games vs. the Raiders, completing 650 (62.9%) of his attempts for 4,835 yards and 31 touchdowns and 15 interceptions for a 91.8 passer rating. The Bolts are 14-6 in those 20 games.
Jason Verrett clinched a 31-28 win over the Raiders with his first career interception with 1:13 left in the game back in 2014.
In 2012, Antonio Gates caught the 83rd touchdown pass of his career during a Dec. 30 game vs. Oakland, tying Lance Alworth for the second-most touchdowns in team history. Over 25 career games vs. the Raiders, Gates has 98 catches for 1,284 yards and 12 touchdowns. It's the second most receptions, yards and touchdown catches against any single opponent in his career.
Playing for Kansas City in 2011, Dexter McCluster had a career-high 89 yards receiving, including a career-long 49-yard catch against Oakland.
Connections
Chargers Head Coach Mike McCoy grew up in Novato, California, 30 miles across the San Francisco Bay from Oakland.
Tackle Joe Barksdale spent his rookie season (2011) in Oakland after being selected by the Raiders that year in the third round out of LSU.
Cornerback Jason Verrett is a native of Fairfield, California. His brother, Tre, works for the Raiders as a client services representative.
Offensive lineman Kenny Wiggins hails from Elk Grove, California.
Safety Dwight Lowery hails from Soquel, Calif. He attended San Jose State.
Inside linebacker Korey Toomer played in 10 games for the Raiders in 2015 and spent time on their practice squad prior to signing with the Chargers in late September.
Director of Player Personnel JoJo Wooden's older brother, Terry, spent one season as a linebacker with the Raiders.
Raiders defensive assistant Sam Anno spent the 1992-93 seasons as the Chargers' long snapper.
Know Your Opponent
Get a detailed look at who the Chargers will face this Sunday at the Q for Week 15.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr throws to a receiver in the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree, top, cannot get free of San Diego Chargers cornerback Patrick Robinson during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
Oakland Raiders tackle Donald Penn (72) against the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL game at O.com Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Zito)
Oakland Raiders offensive tackle Kelechi Osemele (70) blocks during a preseason NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, August 27, 2016 in Oakland. The Titans won the game 27-14. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
Oakland Raiders center Rodney Hudson (61) prepares to snap the ball against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday Oct. 2, 2016, Baltimore, MD. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 28-27. (Al Tielemans via AP Images)
Oakland Raiders guard Gabe Jackson (66) blocks against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday Oct. 2, 2016, Baltimore, MD. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 28-27. (Al Tielemans via AP Images)
Oakland Raiders tackle Austin Howard (77) lines up in a two-point stance during an NFL game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, November 27, 2016. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 35-32. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Oakland Raiders tight end Clive Walford (88) scores on a touchdown reception against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Tennessee Titans Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) rushes against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday Oct. 2, 2016, Baltimore, MD. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 28-27. (Al Tielemans via AP Images)
Oakland Raiders running back Jamize Olawale (49) runs with the ball during a preseason NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, August 27, 2016 in Oakland. The Titans won the game 27-14. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
Oakland Raiders quarterback Seth Roberts (10) catches a touchdown pass during an NFL game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, November 27, 2016. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 35-32. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Oakland Raiders tight end Mychal Rivera (81) makes a catch during warmups before an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Andre Holmes (18) warms up an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Oakland Raiders' Taiwan Jones (22) against the Atlanta Falcons during an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Oakland Raiders running back DeAndre Washington (33) in action against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of a preseason NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Oakland Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) during an NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and the Oakland Raiders Sunday December 4. 2016 at the Oakland County Coliseum Oakland Ca. The Oakland Raiders defeated the Buffalo Bills 38 - 24. (Bill Nichols Images via AP)
Oakland Raiders rookie defensive end Jihad Ward (95) gets set for the snap during the 2016 NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Friday, Aug. 12, 2016 in Glendale, Ariz. The Raiders won the game 31-10. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs running back Spencer Ware (32) gets stuffed by Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Stacy McGee (92) on a first quarter run for no gain during the 2016 NFL week 6 regular season football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016 in Oakland, Calif. The Chiefs won the game 26-10. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Dan Williams (90) runs during a week 4 NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, October 4, 2015 in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Raiders 22-20. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) moves in for a tackle against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday Oct. 2, 2016, Baltimore, MD. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 28-27. (Al Tielemans via AP Images)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) fumbles as he is hit by Oakland Raiders linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Oakland Raiders linebacker Perry Riley Jr. gets set on defense prior to a play in action against the Kansas City Chiefs during a NFL football game on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won, 21-13. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Malcolm Smith (53) gets set during the 2015 week 15 regular season NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015 in Oakland, Calif. The Packers won the game 30-20. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Oakland Raiders cornerback David Amerson (29) intercepts the ball for a touchdown in front of Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Albert Wilson (12) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Oakland Raiders cornerback Sean Smith (21) intercepts a two-point conversion attempt in the end zone in the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Oakland Raiders safety Reggie Nelson (27) drops into coverage against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday Oct. 2, 2016, Baltimore, MD. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 28-27. (Al Tielemans via AP Images)
Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta (88) is tackled by Oakland Raiders safety Karl Joseph (42), Sunday Oct. 2, 2016, Baltimore, MD. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 28-27. (Al Tielemans via AP Images)
Oakland Raiders Shilique Calhoun (91) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016.
( Tom DiPace via AP)
Oakland Raiders KR TJ Carrie #38 in action, in the second quarter during his game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field during an NFL game in Seattle on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014. (AP Photo/David Seelig)
Oakland Raiders strong safety Nate Allen (20) chases the action during the 2016 NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Friday, Aug. 12, 2016 in Glendale, Ariz. The Raiders won the game 31-10. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Oakland Raiders cornerback Keith McGill (39) chases the action during the 2014 NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions on Friday, Aug. 15, 2014 in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders won the game 27-26. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Oakland Raiders punter Marquette King (7) punts during a NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, August 12, 2016 in Glendale, Ariz. The Raiders won the game 31-10. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
Oakland Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski (11) kicks a field goal in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Oakland Raiders long snapper Jon Condo (59) warms up prior to NFL football game between the Carolina Panthers and the Oakland Raiders in Charlotte, NC Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Broadcast Information
CBS (KFMB, Channel 8 in San Diego) – Tom McCarthy (play-by-play), Adam Archuleta (analyst) and Amanda Balionis (reporter)
Rock 105.3 FM, XTRA Sports 1360 (San Diego) and AM 570 KLAC (Los Angeles & Orange County) – Josh Lewin (play-by-play) and Nick Hardwick (analyst)
Spanish Radio –XHFG 107.3 (San Diego)– Jorge Villanueva (play-by-play) and Tony Alvarez (analyst)
All Chargers radio broadcasts are now being streamed live on the team's official website, www.chargers.com. XTRA Sports 1360 Broadcasts with Josh Lewin (play-by-play) and Nick Hardwick (analyst) will begin two hours before kickoff and continue for 90 minutes of postgame coverage.
Download the Chargers Official Mobile App for live game coverage, stats, and game day news.
