The Los Angeles Chargers (1-4) look for their second-straight victory when they head north to face the Oakland Raiders (2-3). Kickoff from the Oakland-Alameda County Stadium is set for 1:25pm PT.
What to Watch For…
On Offense for the Chargers
Philip Rivers remains among the top passers in the league, ranking fifth in passing yards (1,365) and attempts (194), and seventh in TDs (nine) and completions (116). His top target is Keenan Allen, who has returned to form early in 2017 with 28 catches for 401 yards and one touchdown. He ranks fourth in the NFL in receiving yards, with a league-high 235 coming on third down. Meanwhile, Melvin Gordon has emerged as a force in the passing game, as his three receiving TDs are most among NFL running backs. The third-year Wisconsin product has also toted the rock 74 times for 273 yards (3.7 ypc) and two scores.
On Offense for the Raiders
Oakland expects to have Derek Carr back under center, and the quarterback has completed 74 of 109 passes (67.9-percent) for 753 yards, seven TDs and two interceptions for a 101.2 passer rating. WR Michael Crabtree has been the Raiders' top weapon, leading the team in catches (19), receiving yards (252) and touchdowns (four). TE Jared Cook has also caught 19 passes for 196 yards and one score, while Amari Cooper has 13 grabs for 118 yards and one TD. On the ground, Marshawn Lynch has carried the ball 57 times for 194 yards (3.4 ypc) and one touchdown in his return to the NFL. Meanwhile, Jalen Richard is averaging 5.3 ypc, totaling 128 yards on 24 carries.
On Defense for the Chargers
The Chargers rank third in the NFL with 12 sacks on the year, paced by defensive ends Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa. Ingram's 7.5 sacks are not only the most in the AFC, but the most by any Chargers player through five games in franchise history. Meanwhile, Bosa has been every bit as disruptive, getting to the quarterback 4.5 times. Finally, second-year linebacker Jatavis Brown has had an active first five games, ranking second in the NFL with 46 total tackles.
On Defense for the Raiders
Khalil Mack continues to be one of the NFL's most disruptive playmakers on defense, posting 4.0 sacks in five games. He's followed closely by Mario Edwards, who has 3.0 on the year. Meanwhile, safety Karl Joseph paces the team with 37 tackles.
Series History
The Chargers trail the all-time series 63-50-2, with the Raiders holding a 31-25-1 advantage at home. Oakland has won the last four contests between the two teams.
By the Numbers
The Chargers rank 11th in total offense (345.6 yards per game), sixth in passing (266.8 ypg), 29th in rushing (78.8 ypg) and 19th in points (19.8). The Raiders rank 30th in total offense (279.2 ypg), 26th in passing (188.6 ypg), 23rd in rushing (90.6 ypg) and 16th in points (21.6).
Defensively, the Bolts rank 24th in total defense (351.4 ypg), fourth in passing (190.2 ypg), 32nd in rushing (161.2 ypg) and 21st in points allowed (23.0). Oakland ranks 23rd in total defense (351.2 ypg), 18th in passing (226.6 ypg), 25th in rushing (124.6 ypg) and 16th in points allowed (21.8).
Milestones on the Horizon
The next touchdown pass between Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates will be the 86th connection for the pair, breaking a tie with Steve Young and Jerry Rice for the second-most in NFL history.
Gates is 12 catches shy of tying Torry Holt for 20th-most receptions in NFL history.
Keenan Allen's next catch will give him 250 for his career.
With one more touchdown catch, Tyrell Williams will become the 10th Charger to ever reach double-digits in TD receptions.
Noteworthy vs. the Raiders
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. Overall, Gates has 103 catches for 1,325 yards and 13 touchdowns in 27 career games against the AFC West rival. It's the second-most receptions, yards and touchdown catches against any single opponent (KC) in his career.
In 2013, Philip Rivers passed for 411 yards at Oakland to become the first quarterback in team 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 threw the 201st and 202nd touchdown passes of his career that same day to pass John Hadl (201) for second in team history. In the team's second meeting of the season at home, Rivers threw a TD pass in his 19th-straight game, tying Hadl (1966-67) for the third-longest streak in team history. Number 17 has completed 447 of 710 (63.0 pct.) for 5,400 yards with 37 touchdowns and 18 interceptions for a 93.0 career rating vs. Oakland. The Chargers are 14-8 in 22 career meetings.
Joey Bosa made his NFL debut last October vs. the Raiders, recording a pair of sacks on Derek Carr.
Brandon Mebane had the only interception of his career the last time these two teams met in Oakland.
Drew Kaser boomed a personal best 69-yard punt last December against the Raiders. It ranks as the 10th longest punt in franchise history.
Connections
FORMER CHARGERS
Raiders Defensive Assistant Sam Anno spent the 1992-93 seasons as the Chargers' long snapper.
Raiders Assistant Head Coach John Pagano spent 15 seasons with the Chargers from 2002-16, including spending the last five years as the Chargers defensive coordinator.
FORMER RAIDERS
Chargers 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.
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.
Broadcast Information
CBS – Kevin Harlan (play-by-play) and Rich Gannon (analyst)
KFI-AM 640 – Matt "Money" Smith (play-by-play), Nick Hardwick (analyst) and Shannon Farren (sideline)
Spanish Radio: KFWB – AM 980 – Jorge Villanueva (play-by-play) and Tony Alvarez (analyst)
Chargers radio broadcasts throughout the season will be able to be heard across 11 radio stations from Southern California to Nevada. Fans can listen in English on KGB-FM and KLSD AM (San Diego), KNWZ-AM (Palm Springs), KALZ-AM (Fresno), KBFP-AM (Bakersfield), KNWH-FM (Yucca Valley), KRLV-FM (Las Vegas), KRAK-AM (Victorville/Hesperia), KATY-FM (San Bernardino) and KPLY-AM (Reno). Spanish broadcasts can be heard on XHFG-FM (San Diego).
