The Los Angeles Chargers, in spite of their difficult schedule, will be granted a bit of a reprieve in Weeks 1 and 2.
They'll first face off against the Arizona Cardinals at home. Although the Cardinals have made certain, measured improvements to their offense this offseason, that game shouldn't be particularly close. Their Week 2 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders holds more intrigue.
At that point in the season, it's likely that Kirk Cousins will be the starting quarterback in Las Vegas. Fernando Mendoza, who the Raiders selected first overall in this year's Draft, is widely expected to ride the bench behind Cousins until he proves he's ready to take on the starting mantle.
Las Vegas will obviously be looking to improve upon last season's record with the additions they made through free agency and the Draft. When asked about a potential revenge game for his team in 2026, Raiders expert Levi Dombro of Just Blog Baby pinpointed the Chargers matchup, highlighting how pivotal it could be for them avoid an early-season derailing with Cousins at the helm.
"Week 2 against the LA Chargers. Last year, the Raiders' season got derailed in Week 2 against the Chargers on primetime, and Las Vegas can prevent an early unwinding by battling them on the second weekend. I think the Raiders will still lose, but it will be much more competitive." Levi Dombro, Just Blog Baby
For the Raiders, this goal is somewhat respectable. Don't get blown out in Week 2, and don't allow the season to be over before Mendoza even gets a chance to play. For the Chargers, though, it provides a clear mission.
Blow Las Vegas out of the water.
Chargers can derail the Raiders' season again with pivotal Week 2 matchup
For the Chargers, the Week 2 matchup holds significance only insofar as it will allow them to enter their brutal Week 3-10 slte on a positive note.
For the Raiders, it could mean a whole lot more. The Chargers didn't have the most impressive offensive performance against the Raiders last season, with Justin Herbert going for just 242 yards and 2 TDs in the Week 2 matchup Dombro mentioned. But the defense had a field day, grabbing three interceptions and allowing just 218 total yards.
After a promising win against the New England Patriots in Week 1, the Raiders won just two more games all year after their loss to Los Angeles. The Chargers derailed their season, and they have a chance to do the same in 2026.
The hope for Las Vegas is clearly that Mendoza plays meaningful football as a rookie under the tutelage of Kirk Cousins. With offensive weapons like Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty at his disposal, it would be massive for his development (and the hopes of the Raider's fanbase) if that wish came true.
Maybe Cousins will bring them better QB play than Geno Smith did. But with a revamped offense, this Chargers team is a different beast. Let's hope for a blowout in Week 2.
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