An Ugly AFC West Showdown: Chargers v. Raiders

In an upcoming AFC West matchup between the Chargers and Raiders, Easton Stick is set to take on the quarterback position for the Chargers. Drafted in 2019, Stick is well-versed in the team's offensive schemes, presenting him with a significant opportunity.

The Raiders may face the absence of Josh Jacobs, diminishing their offensive arsenal and increasing the reliance on Aiden O'Connel to generate passing plays. Following a shutout against the Vikings, questions arise regarding the potency of Minnesota's defense or the potential regression of the Raiders' offense, with Thursday night's game against the Chargers offering further insight into this matter.

Over the past couple of years, the Chargers have fallen short of expectations, raising uncertainties about Coach Brandon Staley's competence or Justin Herbert's capability as a quarterback. With Herbert sidelined, the ongoing season will shed light on these concerns.

Despite a historically low total set at 34, recent prime time games have witnessed a shift towards surpassing the under trend. The Chargers hold the 13th position in offensive DVOA, contrasting with the Raiders' 29th rank. DVOA, encompassing various situational aspects of both offense and defense, contributes to the assessment of each team's overall performance.

On the defensive front, the Chargers are positioned at 27th, while the Raiders secure the 16th spot. Considering these metrics, the current line at -3 appears reasonably accurate for the game.

In summary, despite the seemingly unattractive matchup for Thursday night, the statistics suggest a game worth monitoring, especially for those who engage in some Thursday night action!

Back to blog