The Raiders stay home this week and play host to the San Diego Chargers. The Raiders are coming off a defeat at the hands of the Texans while the Chargers come to Oakland fresh off a beat-down of the Arizona Cardinals. This will be the Raider's first division opponent this year. Let's take a look at the matchups:
Raiders offense vs. Chargers defense
The Raiders come in to this game ranked 9th in overall offense with 354 yards/game and 6th in rushing with 140 yards/game. With those numbers, it would favor the Raiders most of the time. However, the Chargers come in with the number 2 ranked defense in the NFL, giving up just 238 yards/game. They only allow 80 yards/game rushing and 158 yards/game passing so this will be a tough matchup. The Raiders will also most likely be without McFadden as he is resting a hamstring. Michael Bush will have to take over the workload. They will also need to get Zach Miller involved early to open up the passing game. He is a very tough matchup for just about every team. The Raiders should be able to move the ball. They have shown the ability to run against the tougher defenses and get into the red zone, with 16 trips in 4 games. They need to be able to score TDs and not FGs.
Advantage: Chargers
Raiders defense vs. Chargers offense
The Raiders are still having a difficult time stopping the run. With that being said, they are still ranked 11th in overall defense at 305.8 yards/game. Where they have excelled, is at stopping the pass, only giving up 143.8 yards/game which ranks 3rd in the NFL. They will be up against one of the most potent offenses this year. The Chargers rank 1st in overall offense at 450.8 yards/game. They are also 3rd in passing offense and 10th in rushing offense. The key to stopping the Chargers will be to keep them off the field. The Raider's offense must sustain long drives that end in TDs. Another key is to eliminate Antonio Gates from the game plan. They must let either Tyvon Branch or Nnamdi Asomugha blanket him all day.
Advantage: Chargers
Special Teams
I think we all know the outcome on this one. The Chargers have been absolutely atrocious on kickoff and punt returns. In four games this year, they have already given up 1 TD on a punt return and 2 TDs on kickoff returns. In order for us to steal one, our Special Teams have to be special. We need to return one for a TD or get some form of defensive or special team TD. Remember, the Chargers have yet to win on the road this season and both losses featured a Special Teams TD from the opposition.
Advantage: Raiders
Prediction: Chargers 27, Raiders 17
What are your predictions for the game? Post them here.
No comments:
Post a Comment