The Raiders will try to rebound from a tough loss at home last week to the Washington Redskins as the offense really sputtered under Matt Flynn, who has been moved back to 3rd string on the depth chart. Flynn looked hesitant to deliver any throws and it didn't help that his weapons in the backfield in Darren McFadden and Marcel Reece both went down early with injuries and did not return. Luckily for the Raiders, Terrelle Pryor will be available for this week's matchup against the Chargers. McFadden is listed as questionable and most likely will not play as they don't want to push the issue with a hamstring. The Chargers will be a stiffer test than in the past few years with the resurgence of Philip Rivers, as he enters the game second only to Peyton Manning in the NFL in Passer Rating. Let's take a look at the matchups and predict a winner.
Raiders Offense vs. Chargers Defense
The Raiders offense will focus mainly around Pryor with his arm and his legs. Without McFadden and possibly Reece, Pryor will have to make something out of nothing sometimes and if they hope to win, the offensive line will have to play a good game. This does not look likely as center Stefen Wisniewski is listed as doubtful and LG Lucas Nix (ankle), RT Tony Pashos (groin) and LT Menelik Watson (right knee) are all listed as questionable. Week 7 bye can not come soon enough for the offense. As for the Chargers, they will be without one of their leaders in Dwight Freeney as he is out for the year after he suffered an injury last week. Corners Shareece Wright and Johnny Patrick are both questionable.
Advantage: Chargers
Raiders Defense vs. Chargers Offense
The Chargers offense has been rolling like it was five years ago. New Head Coach Mike McCoy has turned back the clock on Rivers and Antonio Gates and feel like their 2-2 start could easily have been 4-0. They are already without WRs Danario Alexander and Malcolm Floyd as they are out for the year. Rivers has found other targets, however, and has translated that into one of his best starts to the season in his career. Ryan Matthews has given them enough in the running game to keep defenses from just keying on the passing game. The Raiders will look to try and get pressure on Rivers as he is a different QB when he has to rush his throws. They are also still looking for their first interception on the season. Tyvon Branch will be out and Tracy Porter is listed as probable and should play.
Advantage: Chargers
Special Teams
The Raiders Special Teams have been mostly good so far this season. Janikowski has missed three field goals so far, but punter Marquette King is leading the league in punting average. Neither punt returners or kick returners have had impact returns. The Chargers have a good kicker in Nick Novak and Mike Scifres. Returner Eddie Royal can break one, as he did in the past against the Raiders as a member of the Denver Broncos.
Advantage: Raiders
Prediction: Chargers 27, Raiders 21
Record to date: 2-1
Raiders Offense vs. Chargers Defense
The Raiders offense will focus mainly around Pryor with his arm and his legs. Without McFadden and possibly Reece, Pryor will have to make something out of nothing sometimes and if they hope to win, the offensive line will have to play a good game. This does not look likely as center Stefen Wisniewski is listed as doubtful and LG Lucas Nix (ankle), RT Tony Pashos (groin) and LT Menelik Watson (right knee) are all listed as questionable. Week 7 bye can not come soon enough for the offense. As for the Chargers, they will be without one of their leaders in Dwight Freeney as he is out for the year after he suffered an injury last week. Corners Shareece Wright and Johnny Patrick are both questionable.
Advantage: Chargers
Raiders Defense vs. Chargers Offense
The Chargers offense has been rolling like it was five years ago. New Head Coach Mike McCoy has turned back the clock on Rivers and Antonio Gates and feel like their 2-2 start could easily have been 4-0. They are already without WRs Danario Alexander and Malcolm Floyd as they are out for the year. Rivers has found other targets, however, and has translated that into one of his best starts to the season in his career. Ryan Matthews has given them enough in the running game to keep defenses from just keying on the passing game. The Raiders will look to try and get pressure on Rivers as he is a different QB when he has to rush his throws. They are also still looking for their first interception on the season. Tyvon Branch will be out and Tracy Porter is listed as probable and should play.
Advantage: Chargers
Special Teams
The Raiders Special Teams have been mostly good so far this season. Janikowski has missed three field goals so far, but punter Marquette King is leading the league in punting average. Neither punt returners or kick returners have had impact returns. The Chargers have a good kicker in Nick Novak and Mike Scifres. Returner Eddie Royal can break one, as he did in the past against the Raiders as a member of the Denver Broncos.
Advantage: Raiders
Prediction: Chargers 27, Raiders 21
Record to date: 2-1
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