The Los Angeles Chargers (1-0) head to Las Vegas to face the Raiders (1-0) in a pivotal AFC West clash Monday night, with both teams off to strong starts in the 2025 season. Los Angeles enters having narrowly beaten Kansas City 27-21, while Las Vegas edged the Patriots 20-13 in Week 1.
The Raiders hold a historical edge in the series, leading 68-60-2, but recent trends favor the Chargers. Los Angeles swept Las Vegas last season for the first time since 2018, including a 34-20 win at Allegiant Stadium in January. Overall, the Chargers have won three of the past four meetings and six of the last nine, including a rare victory in Las Vegas in 2020.
Los Angeles boasts one of the league’s most balanced attacks. The Chargers rank third in passing and 19th in rushing, with a scoring offense tied for sixth. QB Justin Herbert will be the player to watch after passing for 318 yards and three touchdowns against the Chiefs. He faces a Raiders secondary that allowed 287 yards to Patriots QB Drake Maye, though part of that came late in the game when Las Vegas played soft to run out the clock. While not as formidable as the Chiefs’ defense, the Raiders’ secondary still poses challenges, and Herbert’s performance could be a deciding factor.
The Raiders’ offense is similarly strong through the air, ranking second in passing, but struggles in the run game (28th) and scores at a mid-tier pace (T15). Veteran DE Maxx Crosby will be key in pressuring Herbert. Crosby, who tallied a sack and seven pressures in Week 1 despite double teams, can set the tone for the Raiders’ pass rush and help free up his teammates to disrupt Los Angeles’ prolific passing game.
The Chargers’ defense is middle-of-the-pack overall (22nd), better against the run (15th) than the pass (24th), and tied for 13th in scoring allowed. S Derwin James will be crucial in covering the Raiders’ tight ends, whether Brock Bowers, who is questionable with a knee injury, or Michael Mayer, who made a key reception against New England last week. James held Travis Kelce in check last week, showing his ability to neutralize top-tier tight ends.
Las Vegas’ defense is similar in profile: 21st overall, sixth against the run, but 27th against the pass. If the Raiders want to slow Herbert, they’ll need consistent pressure and disciplined coverage, particularly in the secondary.
Raiders TEs Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer vs. Chargers S Derwin James. With Bowers questionable, Mayer will likely see increased targets. James’ coverage ability could determine whether the Raiders find traction through the middle of the field or struggle to move the chains.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert’s ability to exploit a vulnerable Raiders secondary. Raiders DE Maxx Crosby’s impact on the pocket and overall pressure. Tight end battles and how effectively Las Vegas can contain Los Angeles’ passing game.
This game has the makings of a high-stakes battle in the AFC West, with both teams 1-0 and the division already shaping up as competitive. The Chargers’ passing attack led by Herbert may give them a slight edge, but the Raiders’ defensive front, led by Crosby, could swing momentum in crucial moments. With the line at Chargers -3.5, expect a close, hard-fought contest under the Monday night lights.
