3 Keys to Raiders' Success in Week 2 Against Chargers

How can the Las Vegas Raiders move to 2-0 on the season?

Sep 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak shakes hands with Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley after the game at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Las Vegas Raiders are looking to move to 2-0 for the first time since the 2021 season with a win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Chargers are trying to avoid falling into a 0-2 hole, which would make their postseason hopes a little murkier. Only about 11 to 12 percent of teams that lose their first two games make the playoffs, so the Raiders' divisional rival would have an uphill battle.

Sep 13, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh reacts after a play against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Raiders lost both games to the Chargers last year, but they can get off to a good start in the division with a win this afternoon. What would it take to beat Los Angeles and stay undefeated?

Let's break down the biggest keys to victory for the Silver and Black.

Pressure Justin Herbert

Nov 30, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Herbert is one of the most pressured quarterbacks in the NFL, taking the second-most sacks in the league in 2025, and the Raiders totaled five sacks as a team against the Miami Dolphins in Week 1.

Herbert took three sacks last week and plays behind a shaky offensive line, so defensive coordinator Rob Leonard should have a fun time scheming up pressures to get Herbert off his game. Turning Maxx Crosby and Kwity Paye loose should be at the top of the defensive game plan.

Pressures lead to sacks and turnovers, so Leonard's defense should not sit back and let Herbert scan the field. Sending multiple bodies at him is the way to limit the Chargers' offense.

Utilize the Middle of the Field

Sep 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) catches a pass for a first down in the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Brytus-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The linebacker play is not great, so the Raiders should use their weapons over the middle.

Daiyan Henley is a good player for the Chargers' defense, but he cannot do it all by himself. He will need help slowing down the Raiders' offense, and if that does not happen, Kirk Cousins should be able to move the ball efficiently.

That includes players like tight end Michael Mayer and wide receiver Jack Bech, who can make plays with the ball in their hands. The middle of the field is always open.

More Deep Shots

Kirk Cousins | Darrell Craig Harris, On SI

Cousins was hesitant to push the ball downfield against the Dolphins, taking what the defense gave him en route to an efficient day. That won't work against a more talented Chargers defense.

While Derwin James and the Chargers' young secondary can cause problems for passing games, Cousins and the Raiders should not be afraid to take shots, especially with playmakers who can win downfield.

Klint Kubiak wants more explosive plays out of his offense, and even if the throws don't connect, the Raiders should take those shots, because they won't put up points otherwise.