The Raiders defeated the Chargers 26-14 on Sunday evening in a regular-season NFL fixture at home. The result extended a winning run for the visitors while halting the hosts' recent momentum. It was a straightforward affair between division rivals, with the visiting side controlling the tempo from the opening drive.
By then, the Chargers had been building something steady. They'd beaten the Cardinals 26-14 the previous week and the Rams 20-18 in the season opener, showing they could grind out results against tough opposition. The Raiders, meanwhile, had dispatched the Dolphins 27-13 before falling 18-12 to the 49ers in their opener. Both sides entered with mixed signals.
The scoreline reflected that disparity. The Raiders were left exposed at times but found a way back into it, capitalising on the Chargers' defensive lapses. The visitors held the tie in their own hands for the majority of proceedings, and the Chargers never quite recovered their composure after falling behind early. The stadium fell silent in the final quarter as the gap widened.
What it means for the standings remains to be seen, but this result shifts the balance. The Raiders now sit ahead in the division race, while the Chargers must regroup quickly. The old head settled them down for the visitors, and the experience showed in the closing stages.
