3 distinct advantages the Chargers have over the Raiders

Los Angeles Chargers v Las Vegas Raiders
Los Angeles Chargers v Las Vegas Raiders | Chris Unger/GettyImages
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2. The secondary

The Las Vegas Raiders have a formidable pass-rushing duo in the likes of Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones. Crosby had a breakout season last season and Jones has been one of the best pass-rushers in the league over the last few seasons.

That being said, the Chargers could definitely end up being better with their pass-rushing duo, especially considering Jones' numbers last season were not even that impressive after his Week 1 outburst with five sacks. He put up Uchenna Nwosu numbers, which are good, but not great.

Where the massive advantage lies is in the secondary. The Chargers struggled in the secondary last season but made the massive addition of J.C. Jackson and added depth on top of that with Bryce Callahan and some savvy draft picks. Not all of the depth is going to pan out nicely on the Bolts (that is just how the NFL works), but the team is in a much better position than last season.

Meanwhile, the Raiders are in an awful position. They have one of the least-talented secondaries in the league and teams are going to be able to torch them in the passing game. Not only do they lack talent, but they are undergoing yet another defensive scheme change. That is the third change in three seasons.

The Raiders' defense could end up looking very similar to how the Chargers looked last season as they potentially struggle to stop teams, particularly on third downs. As long as the Chargers do not beat themselves, it is hard to see how the Bolts don't score over 30 points each time they play the Raiders.

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