Chargers Win in OT on TNF as Raiders Playoff Hopes Grow Slim

In the last Thursday Night Football game of the year, the Los Angeles Chargers went to battle against the Las Vegas Raiders, their division rival in a must-win game for the Raiders. Despite this, the Chargers came out on top in an overtime thriller by a score of 30-27. Let us analyze the key components to victory for the Chargers and what went wrong for Las Vegas.

Herbert Leads the Way

Since he took over in week two, rookie QB Justin Herbert has emerged as a rookie of the year favorite has taken the league by storm. He has gotten better every week and is proving his worth in the NFL. Against the Raiders, Herbert paced the offense with 314 passing yards and two touchdowns, along with the game-winning rushing touchdown on a quarterback sneak in overtime. His second passing touchdown, which was a 26-yard dime to WR Tyron Johnson, tied Browns QB Baker Mayfield for the most passing touchdowns in a rookie season. Mayfield threw 27 in 2018. With two games to go, Herbert is poised to shatter this record with the opportunity to get to 30.

Even with receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams on a snap count due to injury, the Chargers were able to move the ball in the air, led by WR Jalen Guyton, TE Hunter Henry, and WR Tyron Johnson. Guyton had four catches for 91 yards, while Henry and Johnson found the endzone and combined for 126 yards. As for the ground game, RB Austin Ekeler totaled 60 yards on 13 carries, while RB Kalen Ballage added a touchdown in the victory.

Defense Bends, But Does Not Break

All season long, the Chargers defense has been inconsistent and plagued with injuries. In this game, the defense did just enough to secure the victory. LB Nick Vigil recorded the only sack and tied for the lead in tackles on the day, along with rookie LB Kenneth Murray. They each recorded seven. Los Angeles forced one turnover against backup QB Marcus Mariota, an interception by Chris Harris Jr. on a throw behind WR Zay Jones. While they bent for 449 yards, they did not break, highlighted by a key goal-line stop in overtime that forced the Raiders to a field goal. 

Time Running Out for Vegas

Through nine games, the Raiders were 6-3 with statement wins over the Chiefs, Saints, and Browns while coming off a dominant win over the Denver Broncos. Since then, Las Vegas has lost four out of five and the one win came against the winless Jets on a miracle play. They are now 7-7 and need a lot of help to make the playoffs. The Browns, Colts, and Titans already have nine wins, while the Dolphins and Raiders have eight. With only two games left, it is not looking likely to make the playoffs after such a promising start. QB Derek Carr is injured, the defense cannot stop anyone, and they are just in their own way too many times and it may have cost them a spot in the postseason in 2020.

Looking Ahead

Heading into Week 16, the Los Angeles Chargers will look to make it three in a row and continue to finish their season strong against the Denver Broncos (5-8) at home in a divisional matchup. As for the Raiders, they will play on Saturday night against the Miami Dolphins (8-5) in another must-win situation. If the Raiders lose, they will officially be eliminated from playoff contention.

Info from profootballreference.com

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-By: Richie Dordas