Oakland Raiders 2015 Schedule: Predicting The Team’s Wins and Losses

Dec 28, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Branden Oliver (43) is congratulated after scoring a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 19-7. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Week 7: @San Diego Chargers (2014 Record: 9-7)

Coming off their bye week, the Raiders get a pseudo-home game against another division rival down in San Diego – and their perhaps, future roommate if Oakland and San Diego can’t get their acts together and build them each new stadiums.

The big storyline is whether or not Philip Rivers will still be under center for the Chargers by the time this game is played. Rumors and speculation are running rampant that Rivers will be in Tennessee and San Diego is going to be quarterbacked by a guy named Marcus Mariota.

Though some of us aren’t entirely convinced that scenario will actually play out.

Either way, the Chargers are a team that’s a year old, and not necessarily a team that’s a year better. Veteran stalwart, and noted Raider killer Antonio Gates is nearing the tail end of his career and has been losing some of his effectiveness – and apparently wants to play fewer snaps. Unless he doesn’t.

Gone is veteran running back Ryan Matthews and stalwart center Nick Hardwick. Also gone are veteran LB Jarret Johnson and offensive lineman Jeromey Clary. But it will be Hardwick, who was the heart and soul of San Diego’s offensive line who will be missed the most.

Even with Rivers at the helm last season, the Raiders played the Chargers tight in both games – losing 31-28 in week 6, and 13-6 in week 11. With a vastly upgraded roster, and a lot more talent, look for Oakland – well rested after a bye week – to come out fired up against the Chargers.

With a tall receiver like Streater in the mix, matching up with a shorter Brandon Flowers, look for Carr to exploit that pairing all day long. San Diego’s strength is in their linebackers, but Del Rio and Bill Musgrave will also seek to establish the ground game by asking the offensive line to blow open some holes and run right at them.

This game is going to be a slugfest, but one the Raiders can win. Especially given that it’s an important divisional game.

Prediction: WIN

Chargers 21; Raiders 24

Record: 5-1

Next: Week Eight: New York Jets