LA Chargers: Justin Herbert’s game and 3 bold predictions vs. Raiders
By Jason Reed
2. Darren Waller has a big game against the LA Chargers this time around
The last time the LA Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders squared off the Raiders’ bread and butter was the running game. The Raiders attacked the Chargers on the ground and pretty much got anything they wanted when they did so. The Raiders finished with 160 rushing yards on 26 attempts. For those keeping count, that is an absurd 6.15 yards per attempt.
Many would predict that this game would go the same way. It is a short week so it makes sense on paper for the Raiders to continue pounding the rock and punish the Chargers on the ground in the same way that they did earlier in the season.
However, the Chargers should have more success. They are still a poor run defense but they showed better signs in the run against the Atlanta Falcons and actually (should) have Joey Bosa playing this time around, whereas last time he was in concussion protocol and missed the game.
The Raiders are not going to get as much on the ground in early downs, forcing them to throw the ball. That just creates another weapon for the Raiders to punish the Chargers with and they ultimately will be punished as I expect Darren Waller to have a big game.
The Chargers did a great job of limiting Waller in the first matchup, holding him to five receptions on 10 targets for 22 yards. He did have a touchdown but it was the second-fewest receiving yards in a game that he has had this season.
He will get his revenge on Thursday. I expect Waller to be in the triple-digits in receiving yards against the Bolts.