Last Week: Raiders 40, Seahawks 34
A record-shattering week from running back Josh Jacobs in a second-straight overtime victory on the road revitalized hope for the Raiders heading into the final six games of the season. Jacobs set new Raider franchise highs for rushing yards (229), and yards from scrimmage (303), including an 86-yard game-winning run in overtime. The Raiders are still three games out of the playoffs, but they’re now favored in three of their next four games, with this week’s tilt against the Los Angeles Chargers trending toward a pick ’em. Jacobs was questionable coming into the Seahawks game with a calf injury he reaggravated in the fourth quarter, making a day that catapulted him to the NFL rushing lead all the more impressive.
This Week: Chargers (6-5) at Raiders (4-7)
When: Sunday, December 4, 1:25 p.m.
Where: Allegiant Stadium
TV & Radio: CBS (Channel 8) & 920 AM/92.3 FM
Betting line: Chargers -2.5, over/under 50.5
Matchup: Since the Raiders moved to Las Vegas, four of the five games between these teams have been decided by fewer than six points, and they look as evenly matched as ever heading into their second showdown this season. The Chargers edged the Raiders 24-19 in Week 1 this season to gain a measure of vengeance over Las Vegas, which knocked LA out of the playoffs with a 35-32 overtime victory in Week 17 last year. The Chargers’ season has seen its ups and downs since then, with the team dealing with as many injuries as any in the league. LA is getting healthier, however, and used a fuller roster to beat the Arizona Cardinals 25-24 on a successful late two-point conversion last week.
Raider to Watch: Cornerback Nate Hobbs
The Raiders’ top cornerback was on track to return from a broken hand for the first time in nearly two months against the Seahawks but encountered a setback when he fell ill during the week. He should instead be back this week, which would be huge for a pass defense that has rated by far the worst in the NFL without him. The Chargers’ passing game, meanwhile, is trending upward, with top receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams expected to return to the fold against the Raiders after missing time with their own injuries. Cornerback has been the Raiders’ weakest position group, and while Hobbs won’t fix everything, he’s the closest thing to a shutdown coverage defender on the roster.
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