The Bold Stakes Surrounding Raiders vs. Chargers

The Las Vegas Raiders' impressive start to their 2025 season was fueled by an offensive masterclass from Geno Smith. He spread the ball out and took advantage of a depleted New England Patriots secondary, which was missing its best piece in Christian Gonzalez.

If the Raiders want to continue to build on this win and for it not to be a fluke, they'll have to focus next game in their first divisional matchup of 2025. The Los Angeles Chargers looked impressive in their win against the Kansas City Chiefs, but now they'll have to fly to Allegiant Stadium to take on this new-and-improved Raiders team.

Herbert's Locked In

“Where we are this year compared to where we were last year...steps ahead.”

Justin Herbert on @chargers Week 1 win over Chiefs in Brazil pic.twitter.com/t6QIUCpEpn
— NFL on FOX Presents: Rearview (@FOXNFLRearview) September 10, 2025

Justin Herbert took part in the 'Rearview' series hosted by Mark Sanchez, where he opened up about his experience playing the Chiefs and beating them, as well as looking ahead to his matchup against the Raiders.

The Raiders can help prepare themselves for their next game by taking a look at what Herbert has said and applying his mentality to their own. He speaks about how he's locked in on the Raiders after beating the Chiefs, and the Raiders have to feel the same way.

"It's always such a battle against the Raiders", said Herbert. "We've got so much respect for them, and we know of the rivalry between the Chargers and the Raiders, and we respect that as well. I think it's cool to be able to play in primetime games like that".

This is the first primetime game for the Raiders, the first of three, and they have an opportunity to show that they're legit, against a team that many consider to have increased their stock the most due to their week one performance.

Rekindled Rivalry

On top of this being their first divisional game, the Raiders have more of a reason to win this game than just standings. The rivalry, which Herbert spoke of, is only made more intense by the two head coaches of these divisional rivals.

Jim Harbaugh and Pete Carroll have been at each others throats since their days as coaches in college, and that rivalry will be rekindled in this divisional match. The Chargers' offense showed a lot of improvement against the Chiefs, but in Las Vegas against a roaring home crowd, the Raiders can pull off the upset.

Sep 7, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) practices before the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images | Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

"That's what you always dream about. I think it's another great opportunity for us to go out and play. I hate saying we're taking it one week at a time, but it really is. We beat the Chiefs in Brazil, and now we're turning our focus all the way to the Raiders. How can we get another win and continue to stack them?" is how Herbert left off his questioning regarding the Raiders.

The Chargers have the better roster heading into their game, and if the Raiders want to pull off the upset at home, they'll have to be just as focused, if not more, than Herbert is. They'll have to look at what the Chiefs couldn't do and learn from their mistakes.

What Can They Learn?

Sep 7, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) reacts after rushing for a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images | Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

The Chargers looked like the best they have looked in the past couple of years, and it looks like under Harbaugh, this team has started to hit a new gear heading into year two. Herbert carved the Chiefs' secondary and did whatever he wanted on offense.

If the Raiders enter a shootout with the Chargers, the Chargers have a better wide receiver room and one with more chemistry than what Smith has available, but no pass catcher for the Chargers is as good as Brock Bowers either.

Sep 7, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) makes a catch against the New England Patriots during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images | Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Something the Raiders can take away from the Chargers' opening game is that their defensive line overperformed for their overall talent level. Teair Tart had the game of his life, and it was due to a lot of his batted passes that the Chiefs' passing game could not really get going.

The Chiefs may not have had success running the ball on the ground, but they don't have a player like Ashton Jeanty either. After a disappointing NFL debut, under the bright lights of primetime, Jeanty can make a statement and run all over this Chargers team, that's shown they can bottle up a passing attack, but were gashed repeatedly with Mahomes' legs.

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