Monday Night AFC West showdown: Chargers versus Raiders

After upsetting the Chiefs in Brazil last week, Justin Herbert and the Chargers head to Las Vegas for a Monday Night Football showdown with the Raiders.

Both teams enter this matchup eager to separate themselves in an already tight AFC West race as each are coming off wins in Week 1.

Last week, Herbert had himself a great performance for Los Angeles, throwing for 318 yards and three touchdowns against Kansas City. The sixth-year NFL quarterback closed out the game with a 19-yard run, icing the game.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh’s team will look to build on that performance against Raiders head coach Pete Carroll, who is making a return of his own in just his second game as Las Vegas’ leader.

Carroll’s Raiders earned a hard-fought 20-13 win over the New England Patriots, powered by new quarterback Geno Smith. The veteran passer wasted no time taking shots downfield, finishing with 362 passing yards and nine completions of 20 yards or more.

While rookie running back Ashton Jeanty struggled to find space — totaling just 38 yards on 18 carries — he still managed to punch in a touchdown. The Raiders may be shorthanded in Week 2, as star tight end and top target Brock Bowers is questionable with a knee issue that forced him out of the opener.

Herbert had time to throw in Week 1, but Maxx Crosby and the Raiders’ front seven will present a tougher challenge. Winning in the trenches could decide whether Los Angeles continues to hit big plays through the air.

Wideouts Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston will look to build off of their performances from last week. Both receivers finished with over 70 receiving yards along with Johnston’s two touchdowns.

On the other side, if Bowers can’t go, Smith will look to lean heavily on Jakobi Meyers and Michael Mayer who both had impactful games for Las Vegas last week.

Meyers finished last week with 97 yards off of 8 receptions. Mayer filled in for Bowers when he exited the game, catching four passes for 38 yards.

The Chargers’ secondary, which limited Patrick Mahomes in key moments last week, will need another disciplined effort to keep Las Vegas in check. Keep an eye on Jeanty as well; If he can get rolling and turn his volume into efficiency, it will help Smith in the passing game and keep control of the game.

The Chargers swept the Raiders last season, winning the most recent matchup in 34-20 at Allegiant Stadium. Herbert has a 6-3 record against Las Vegas in his career, averaging 279.6 yards and two touchdowns per matchup.

This early season showdown carries more weight than usual, with both teams trying to prove they belong atop the AFC West. For the Chargers, protecting Herbert and establishing balance on offense will be crucial. For the Raiders, keeping Smith upright and finding explosive plays without Bowers could decide their fate.

Prediction: Chargers 27, Raiders 23. Herbert delivers another big night, and McConkey emerges as the X-factor in primetime.