Oakland’s poor Run Defense
The Oakland Raiders had the 6th worst run defense last year. The Chargers will likely be without their best running back, but Ronnie Brown and LeRon McClain should be good enough to get the job done. They get the first shot to rip up that Oakland run defense. Getting the run game rolling, will open things up for Philip and company.

Raiders still adjusting to new coaching staff
Like every year, the Raiders have a new head coach and the team will have to adjust to Coach Dennis Allen. Hopefully it takes Oakland a long while to make an adjustment.

Chargers Rejuvenated Defense
The Chargers have a new Defensive coordinator and some new toys on defense. Melvin Ingram looks like he is a game changer and this will get his first time to shine in what could be a defensive rookie of the year campaign. The defense should bring a lot more pressure to Carson Palmer and will be looking to make more impact plays.

Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers is supposed to be listed in this post with confidence, but the preseason has put us back in shaky territory. I still believe that he will step up and have a big season. He will be the biggest factor in the game. If he steps up and plays like we know he can, then we will leave Oakland with a win. If he struggles, then we all might be crying ‘Fire Norv’ at the end of the game.

Antonio Gates
Antonio Gates is thinner and faster this year. The Oakland Raiders will be the first team to the thinner and faster Gates. Philip should look his way early and often to move those chains!

Later post: Why the Chargers will LOSE