Are you prepared for some soccer? The Raiders (5-8) and Chargers (5-8) undoubtedly aren’t. Each are coping with a rash of accidents, together with at quarterback, edge-rusher, extensive receiver and operating again. This is what to look at for within the kickoff of Week 15.
WHEN THE CHARGERS ARE ON OFFENSE
Quarterback Easton Stick thrown into beginning position: With franchise quarterback Justin Herbert (finger) out for the rest of the common season, Stick turns into the newest backup to get a begin in 2023.
He performed collegiately for North Dakota State and was drafted within the fifth spherical (166th general) of the 2019 NFL Draft. Previous to his 13-of-24 efficiency in reduction of Herbert in Week 14 towards the Broncos, Stick had thrown one NFL move.
Skinny on offense: Los Angeles’ prime offensive weapon, extensive receiver Keenan Allen (heel), didn’t follow Tuesday, calling into query his availability for Week 15. His absence would make Stick’s job way more difficult.
Allen leads the NFL in receptions (108) and is fourth in receiving yards (1,243). The group is already with out beginning extensive receiver Mike Williams (torn ACL), who was misplaced for the season in Week 3.
Rookie first-round wideout Quentin Johnston had a lackluster begin to his profession however is coming off his greatest two-game stretch as a professional (eight receptions, 143 yards).
Edge-rusher Tyree Wilson: The Los Angeles offense was predictably vanilla towards the Broncos following Herbert’s damage. Per Professional Soccer Focus, Stick solely had two deep move makes an attempt and one move off of play motion.
That often is not a successful components, however it is perhaps the Chargers’ solely path on Thursday if Stick is not higher below strain. In accordance with Professional Soccer Focus, he was 3-of-9 for 17 yards (1.9 yards per try) when pressured in Week 14.
That’s the place Wilson comes into the image. Maxx Crosby (knee) is the group’s greatest pass-rusher however didn’t take part in follow Tuesday. His standing is doubtful, giving the No. 7 general decide of the 2023 NFL Draft a possibility on a nationwide stage to have a giant sport.
PFF credited Wilson with a season-high 4 pressures in Week 14. He must be a game-wrecker towards the Chargers for the Raiders to be ok with spending a top-10 decide on him.
Operating again Austin Ekeler: The Chargers dashing offense merely should be higher than it has been this season for Los Angeles to have an opportunity. It ranks twenty sixth in dashing yards (96 yards per sport), and Ekeler is averaging a career-low 3.7 yards per try.
Las Vegas (5-8) is vulnerable towards the run, rating twenty fifth within the league (127.4 yards per sport). It is also thirtieth in anticipated factors added per rush try, forward of solely the Jets and Giants.
WHEN THE RAIDERS ARE ON OFFENSE
Extensive receiver Davante Adams: The Raiders should contain Adams early and sometimes. Per RotoWire, Adams leads the league in first-quarter targets (42) and receptions (31). His three first-quarter receiving touchdowns path solely Miami’s Tyreek Hill and Seattle’s DK Metcalf (4).
Will probably be attention-grabbing to see how the Chargers (5-8) defend Adams. In Week 14 towards Denver, safeties Alohi Gilman and Derwin James defended Broncos No. 1 wideout Jerry Jeudy on 5 of his six targets.
Asante Samuel Jr. ought to get the task typically towards Adams. Nonetheless, the Raiders will possible have the ability to scheme Adams right into a mismatch such because the Vikings did in Week 3, when All-Professional extensive receiver Justin Jefferson burned linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. for a 52-yard landing.
