The Los Angeles Chargers (2-2) host the Oakland Raiders (1-3) for their last game at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center for over a month. Kickoff is set for 1:05pm PT.
What to Watch For…
On Offense for the Chargers
Melvin Gordon has been the focal point of the Bolts' offense, proving worthy of that status with an outstanding start to the season. The fourth-year running back currently ranks fifth in the NFL in total yards from scrimmage (475), fourth in total points among non-kicker (34) and seventh in rushing yards (276). Meanwhile, Philip Rivers has thrown 11 touchdown passes thus far, tied for the most of his career through the first four games of a season. Overall, number 17 has completed 100 of 147 attempts (68.0 percent) for 1,156 yards, 11 TDs and only two picks for a 110.8 passer rating.
On Offense for the Raiders
Derek Carr is lighting things up through the air for the Raiders, but he's been plagued by interceptions which have proved costly. Through four games, the quarterback has completed 120 of 169 passes (71.0 percent) for 1,373 yards, six touchdowns and seven interceptions for an 89.7 passer rating. His top weapon has been his tight end Jared Cook, who has caught 26 passes for 370 yards and two touchdowns. In addition, Amari Cooper has caught 21 passes for 270 yards and one TD while Jordy Nelson has 16 receptions for 274 yards and two scores. Meanwhile, Marshawn Lynch has turned back the clock on the ground, toting the rock 68 times for 300 yards and three TDs, averaging 4.4 yards per carry.
On Defense for the Chargers
Derwin James has been lights out to start his career. He leads the team with three sacks, becoming the first safety in NFL history to record that many in his first four career games. In addition, his six passes defensed are the second most in the NFL while his 30 tackles lead the team. Denzel Perryman is close behind in total tackles with 29. Meanwhile, Melvin Ingram has tallied 1.5 sacks along with 2.5 tackles for loss. His eight QB hits lead the team.
On Defense for the Raiders
Bruce Irvin continues to strike fear in the hearts of opposing quarterbacks, totaling 2.0 sacks and one forced fumble thus far on the year. In addition, rookie Maurice Hurst has flashed early in his career, totaling nine tackles and 2.0 sacks as part of the defensive line rotation. Meanwhile, Tahir Whitehead leads the team with 28 tackles while Rashaan Melvin has a whopping seven passes defensed and Gareon Conley has six pass breakups.
Series History
The Raiders lead the all-time series 63-52-2. However, the Chargers swept their division rival last year for the first time since 2014.
By the Numbers
The Chargers rank ninth in total offense (403.5 yards per game), 14th in passing (278.8 ypg), eighth in rushing (124.8 ypg) and eighth in points (27.8). The Raiders rank second in total offense (441.8 ypg), fourth in passing (333.0 ypg), 15th in rushing (108.8 ypg) and 13th in points (24.3).
Defensively, the Bolts rank 23rd in total defense (385.0 ypg), 21st in passing (275.5 ypg), 17th in rushing (109.3 ypg) and 27th in points allowed (30.0). Oakland ranks 27th in total defense (402.5 ypg), 18th in passing (263.3 ypg), 30th in rushing (139.3 ypg) and 31st in points allowed (30.8).
Milestones on the Horizon
Antonio Gates needs seven catches to reach 941 for his career and pass Hall of Fame WR Art Monk (940) for No. 19 in NFL history.
Gates also needs only 24 receiving yards to reach 11,620 for his career and pass WR Calvin Johnson for 29th in NFL history.
Keenan Allen needs 100-plus receiving yards to post the 20th 100-yard game of his career to tie WR Wes Chandler for the sixth-most in team annals.
Melvin Gordon needs 12 catches to pass Danny Woodhead (167) for No. 5 in career receptions among running backs in team history.
Melvin Gordon needs seven receiving yards to pass Chuck Muncie (1,237) for No. 8 in career receiving yards among running backs in team history.
Melvin Gordon needs one touchdown catch to become the seventh running back in Chargers history with 10 career receiving touchdowns. He needs two touchdown catches to tie Darren Sproles (11) for No. 7 in receiving touchdowns by a running back in Chargers history.
Melvin Gordon needs 63 scrimmage yards to pass Natrone Means (4,367) for No. 8 in team history by a running back. He needs 83 scrimmage yards to pass Keith Lincoln (4,387) for No. 7 in team history by a running back.
Austin Ekeler needs 71 rushing yards to reach 513 for his career, which would be the most by an undrafted running back in his first two seasons in team history.
Derwin James needs 1.5 more sacks to reach 4.5 for the season for the most single-season sacks by a rookie defensive back in NFL history.
Noteworthy vs. the Raiders
In 29 career games vs. the Raiders, Gates has 108 catches for 1,387 yards and 13 touchdowns. It's the second-most receptions, yards and touchdown catches against any single opponent (KC) in his career. In 2012, Antonio Gates caught the 83rd touchdown pass of his career during a Dec. 30 game vs. Oakland, tying Lance Alworth for the second-most touchdowns in team history.
In 24 career games vs. Oakland, Rivers has completed 500 of 783 (63.9 pct.) for 6,055 yards with 41 touchdowns and 18 interceptions for a 95.4 career rating vs. Oakland. The Chargers are 16-8 in those 24 games. In the 2017 season finale, Rivers was 28-for-37 (75.7 pct.) for 387 yards and three touchdowns. He posted a rating of 135.8, the highest of his career against the division opponent.
Brandon Mebane recorded his first career interception in the Oct. 9, 2016 game.
Melvin Gordon hauled in a then career-high nine receptions and made the sixth TD catch of his career (fourth of the season) in the first meeting of 2017. His 67 receiving yards on the day were also a career high at the time of the game. He also added two scores for the fifth time in his career.
Keenan Allen broke the teams' single-season catch record by hauling in nine receptions to finish with 102 on the year in 2017. He added 133 yards and a score in the season-finale win.
Connections
Chargers right tackle Joe Barksdale was drafted by the Raiders and played there from 2011-12.
Raiders safety Marcus Gilchrist was drafted by the Chargers and played for them for four seasons (2011-14).
Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Rich Bisaccia coached special teams for the Chargers from 2011-12.
Assistant Special Teams Coach Byron Storer was on the Chargers defensive staff for two seasons (2012-13).
Broadcast Information
CBS – Greg Gumbel (play-by-play), Trent Green (analyst), Bruce Arians (analyst) and Melanie Collins (sideline)
KFI-AM 640 – Matt "Money" Smith (play-by-play), Daniel Jeremiah (analyst) and Shannon Farren (sideline)
Spanish Radio: KFWB – AM 980 – Mario Solis (play-by-play) and Jorge Villanueva (analyst)
Chargers radio broadcasts throughout the season will be able to be heard across ten radio stations from Southern California to Nevada. Fans can listen in English on KGB-FM and KLSD-AM (San Diego), KNWZ-AM (Palm Springs), KALZ-AM (Fresno), KBFP-AM (Bakersfield), KNWH-FM (Yucca Valley), KRLV-FM (Las Vegas), KRAK-AM (Victorville) and KATY-FM (San Bernardino). Spanish broadcasts can be heard on XHFG-FM (San Diego).
