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Oakland Raiders Vs. San Diego Chargers: 5 Bold Predictions For The Week 15 NFL Matchup

By Pete Camarillo
Published on: 19:36 PST, Dec 16, 2016

The Oakland Raiders play the San Diego Chargers for a Week 15 AFC West battle.

Oakland looks to clinch their first playoff bid since 2002 via a win over the Chargers. They could also win the AFC West if the Kansas City Chiefs takes some losses before the season ends.

San Diego looks to play for a home crowd that may lose their franchise very soon via relocation. Plus, the Chargers could spoil the Raiders’ playoff chances with a win.

Here are some predictions for the Week 15 game.

Joey Bosa gets a sack

Rookie defensive end Joey Bosa made his NFL debut against the Raiders on Oct. 9. The third overall pick made waves by getting two sacks in this game.

For the season, Bosa has six sacks. Expect him to get another one on Sunday.

Bosa has the versatility to lineup at different spots on the defensive line. He should target the Raiders right tackle Austin Howard.

Howard has a 51.5 grade from Pro Football Focus, by far the lowest mark on the Raiders offensive line. Meanwhile, Bosa registered an 88.8 grade by the same subscription service.

The Chargers should win this key matchup. Bosa will continue being a menace to the Raiders for years to come.

Derek Carr bounces back

Raiders quarterback Derek Carr had one of the worst performances of his career last week versus the Chiefs. It was a cold night and the MVP candidate completed 17 of 41 passes.

His receivers did not help him out because they dropped lots of passes. Do not expect a similar performance this week.

San Diego gives up the eighth most passing yards per game and the fourth most points per game.

That means the Raiders offense, which ranks in the top five in passing yards and points, will torch San Diego.

The Raiders top receivers Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree are listed as questionable per UPI, but they should play. Carr will lean on Cooper and Crabtree per usual.

Carr will have a game closer to his NFL MVP expectations. He has 24 touchdowns and five interceptions for the season. Carr will add a few touchdowns this week versus the Chargers.

The Chargers are also No. 1 in the league for interceptions. Carr might throw one of those too. However, Carr will be more good than bad.

Raiders get three turnovers

Oakland is No. 10 in interceptions and No. 1 in fumble recoveries. It is safe to say that the Raiders will get some turnovers in this game.

The Raiders got three turnovers last week, but it was not enough to win. However, this week is a different game.

San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers threw two interceptions and got sacked twice the last time these two teams played. He did also throw four touchdowns in the first game versus the Raiders, but Rivers will have another rough day this Sunday.

The Raiders defense has improved since the last time they played the Chargers. Yes, Oakland still ranks at the bottom in most defensive categories. Nonetheless, they will bend but they will create enough turnovers to negate Rivers’ offensive efforts.

Plus, Rivers has thrown 10 interceptions in four games. He should have another long day versus Oakland.

Raiders win the rushing battle

Raiders running back Latavius Murray is coming off one of his best games of the season. Murray rushed for 103 yards versus the Chiefs, his second time passing a hundred rushing yards in 2016.

Murray gets his best offensive linemen back this week. Oakland guard Kelechi Osemele sat out last week with kidney stones. Therefore, the Oakland rushing attack should have an even bigger week in San Diego.

Meanwhile, Chargers running back Melvin Gordon is three yards short of 1,000 rushing yards. He is not expected to play thanks to hip and knee injuries, according to ESPN.

Therefore, the Raiders will easily outperform the Chargers on the ground.

The Raiders win big

These two teams are in different positions. Oakland seems headed towards the playoffs, while San Diego is still figuring it out.

This game should not be close like the last matchup. However, you can never tell with these AFC West matchups that usually result in close games.

Still, the Raiders will make a statement with a double-digit win. It is time for the Raiders to clinch a playoff berth.

This is the 114th meeting between the San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders. The Raiders lead the series 61-50-2, and they should add to that this week.

The last time these two teams played was in Oakland, the game came down to a Chargers’ last-second missed field goal. The Raiders won 31-34 on Oct. 9.

The Oakland Raiders play the San Diego Chargers at 1:25 p.m. PST.

[Featured Image by Ed Zurga/AP Images]

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