[4:25 PM] Raiders @ Chargers

Who will WIN this matchup?

Oakland Raiders (10-3)

@ San Diego Chargers (5-8)

 

• The line for this game is Oakland by 2.5 points.

• The Oakland Raiders lost both their hold on the top seed in the AFC and first place in the AFC West in the same night, but they can still wrap up their first postseason berth in 14 years when they visit the San Diego Chargers on Sunday. The Raiders have had 10 days off since suffering their first road loss in a 21-13 setback at Kansas City.

• Carr produced a dramatic comeback in his first game since injuring the pinkie on his throwing hand, but he struggled miserably in frigid conditions at Kansas City while producing a season-low 49.1 quarterback rating. In the first meeting against San Diego, Carr threw for 317 yards and connected on scoring passes to wideouts Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper, who were each limited in Thursday’s practice. Running back Latavius Murray sat out the earlier matchup because of injury, but he is coming off his second 100-yard game of the season and has nine rushing TDs in the last seven games. Defensive end Khalil Mack has registered 10 sacks during an eight-game streak.

• San Diego absorbed a huge blow when running back Melvin Gordon was carted off the field early last week with knee and hip injuries. Gordon, who is three yards shy of 1,000 and has racked up 12 touchdowns overall and 10 on the ground, did not practice Wednesday or Thursday and is not expected to play, leaving undrafted rookie Kenneth Farrow to carry the ground game. Rookie defensive end Joey Bosa, the No. 3 overall selection in this year’s draft, practiced fully on Wednesdy and Thursday after sufftering a sprained neck against Carolina. Philip Rivers is struggling down the stretch with 10 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions over the past four games.

• Mack is bidding to become the sixth player in NFL history to record a sack in nine straight games.

• Chargers TE Antonio Gates has 13 touchdown catches versus the Raiders — the most by any player against Oakland.

• The Raiders will secure their first playoff spot since 2002 with a win but can also clinch with a loss and plenty of help.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: Oakland Raiders

Confidence: 5/10

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