TL;DR
- Los Angeles Chargers face Las Vegas Raiders after bye week, aiming for season sweep.
- Chargers hold a 7-4 record and Wild Card spot, seeking division lead over Broncos.
- Experts predict Chargers victory, citing Raiders' offensive struggles and coordinator change.
- Chargers must win against struggling Raiders before facing Philadelphia Eagles.
Returning from their bye week, the Los Angeles Chargers are set to face the Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday. The Chargers secured a 20-9 victory against the Raiders in Week 2 and aim to complete a season sweep.
With a 7-4 record, the Chargers are presently in a Wild Card position within a highly contested AFC, yet the team maintains optimism about potentially overtaking the Denver Broncos in the division standings. It's imperative that they secure a victory against a struggling Raiders squad, which currently stands at 2-9 for the season.
Pete Carroll would relish the opportunity to deliver a significant loss to his longtime adversary Jim Harbaugh, potentially jeopardizing his team's playoff aspirations. Consequently, the Chargers must not underestimate their current opponent, especially with a crucial matchup against the reigning Super Bowl champions Philadelphia Eagles scheduled for Week 14.
How do the experts see this one going?
Expert selections for The Los Angeles Chargers versus Las Vegas Raiders matchup in Week 13
Vinnie Iyer, AllSportsPeople: Chargers 30, Raiders 17
"Jim Harbaugh should have his team refocused after that Jaguars' road debacle before the bye. The Raiders' defense is falling apart and the offense just made a coordinator change from Chip Kelly. The explosiveness of the Chargers' weapons around Justin Herbert come through more with a needed big rushing effort at home."
Bill Bender, AllSportsPeople: Chargers 24, Raiders 14
"Will the Raiders get a spark after firing offensive coordinator Chip Kelly? Las Vegas has averaged just 9.3 points per game in four straight road losses, and the Chargers are coming off a bye week after a 35-6 loss at Jacksonville. Los Angeles averages 23.8 points per game at home."
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Chargers 24, Raiders 10
"The Chargers are coming off a bye, while the Raiders are coming off a horrible showing in a loss to the Browns. That offensive showing led to the firing of coordinator Chip Kelly. It won't matter. The offense is lifeless because the line is awful. The Chargers don't have a great line either, but give me Justin Herbert over Geno Smith. Chargers take it."
Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Chargers 24, Raiders 16
"The Raiders fired offensive coordinator Chip Kelly after their fifth straight loss, but Las Vegas' issues run a lot deeper. Jim Harbaugh will top Pete Carroll in this matchup of former Pac-12 coaching rivals."
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