Week 13 Preview Against Chargers for the Las Vegas Raiders

As Week 13 of the NFL season arrives, the Las Vegas Raiders face a critical divisional showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers—a matchup that could reshape the AFC West standings and both teams’ playoff aspirations. The Raiders, currently clinging to a slim chance at a wild-card spot, enter the game with momentum after a last-second win over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 12, while the Chargers look to bounce back from a disappointing loss to the Denver Broncos. This intra-division clash is more than just a regular-season game; it’s a battle for pride, positioning, and a chance to keep postseason hopes alive. Week 13 Preview Against Chargers for the Las Vegas Raiders breaks down the key storylines, positional matchups, and factors that will determine the outcome of this high-stakes contest.

The first factor to watch in this matchup is the Raiders’ passing offense against the Chargers’ struggling secondary. Led by quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who has rediscovered his rhythm in recent weeks, the Raiders’ passing attack has averaged 258 yards per game over the past three contests—fueled by the emergence of wide receiver Davante Adams, who has recorded 100+ receiving yards in two of his last three games. Adams, a five-time Pro Bowler, will likely line up against Chargers cornerback J.C. Jackson, who has struggled with consistency this season (allowing a 72% completion rate when targeted). Garoppolo has shown a willingness to feed Adams in crucial situations, and if the Raiders can exploit this matchup, they could put significant pressure on the Chargers’ defense. However, the Chargers’ pass rush—led by defensive end Joey Bosa, who has 6.5 sacks this season—poses a threat to Garoppolo, who has been sacked 23 times already this year. Week 13 Preview Against Chargers for the Las Vegas Raiders frames this passing game vs. pass rush battle as a defining factor, as it will likely dictate the tempo of the game.

Another key matchup to monitor is the Chargers’ running game against the Raiders’ inconsistent run defense. The Chargers, led by running back Austin Ekeler, have found new life in their ground attack over the past month, averaging 121 rushing yards per game since Week 9. Ekeler, who has bounced back from a slow start to the season, has rushed for 380 yards and 4 touchdowns in that stretch, and he’ll look to exploit a Raiders run defense that ranks 22nd in the league (allowing 117.8 rushing yards per game). The Raiders’ defensive line has been hit hard by injuries, with defensive tackle Bilal Nichols sidelined indefinitely, leaving gaps in the interior that Ekeler and backup running back Joshua Kelley could exploit. However, the Raiders have shown improvement in stopping the run in key moments—holding the Vikings to just 3.2 yards per carry in Week 12—and they’ll need that same resilience against the Chargers. If the Chargers can establish the run, they’ll be able to keep the Raiders’ pass rush off balance and control the clock, limiting the Raiders’ offensive opportunities. Week 13 Preview Against Chargers for the Las Vegas Raiders emphasizes how this run game battle will impact the game’s overall flow and momentum.

For the Las Vegas Raiders, injury updates will play a crucial role in their game plan heading into Week 13. The Raiders listed two key offensive players—left tackle Kolton Miller and tight end Darren Waller—as “questionable” on their latest injury report. Miller, the Raiders’ starting left tackle, has been a anchor of the offensive line, and his absence would force the Raiders to start backup Brandon Parker, who has struggled with pass protection this season (allowing 4 sacks in limited action). Waller, meanwhile, has been a reliable target for Garoppolo in the middle of the field, and his absence would leave a gap in the Raiders’ passing attack, forcing younger tight ends like Foster Moreau to step up. The Chargers also have injury concerns, with wide receiver Mike Williams listed as “doubtful” with a knee injury, which would limit their deep passing threat. For the Las Vegas Raiders, navigating these injuries will require quick adjustments from head coach Josh McDaniels, who may need to tweak the offensive game plan to compensate for any missing starters. Week 13 Preview Against Chargers for the Las Vegas Raiders explores how these injury uncertainties could shift the balance of power in the matchup.

The Las Vegas Raiders’ head-to-head history with the Chargers adds another layer of intrigue to this Week 13 contest. Over the past five seasons, the two teams have split their 10 matchups, with each team winning five games—including a thrilling 27-20 Raiders victory in their first meeting this season (Week 4). In that game, Garoppolo threw for 254 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Adams caught 8 passes for 113 yards, leading the Raiders to a comeback win. The Chargers will be looking for revenge, and they’ll likely have a better game plan to counter the Raiders’ offensive tactics this time around. However, the Raiders have historically performed well against the Chargers in Las Vegas, winning three of their last four home matchups. For the Las Vegas Raiders, this history provides a psychological edge, as players and coaches are familiar with the intensity of the rivalry and what it takes to win. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo noted, “We know what this game means—divisional bragging rights, playoff positioning. We’ve had success against them before, and we’re looking to build on that.” Week 13 Preview Against Chargers for the Las Vegas Raiders highlights how this rivalry history could motivate both teams and influence the game’s outcome.

Finally, the game’s impact on both teams’ playoff hopes makes this Week 13 matchup a must-win for the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders currently sit at 5-6, two games behind the Chargers (7-4) in the AFC West standings and one game out of the final wild-card spot. A win would bring the Raiders within one game of the Chargers in the division and keep their wild-card hopes alive, while a loss could effectively end their postseason chances. The Chargers, meanwhile, are fighting to stay in the hunt for a division title and a top-four seed in the AFC, and a win over the Raiders would solidify their position as a legitimate playoff contender. This high-stakes environment will likely lead to a tense, competitive game, with both teams playing with maximum intensity. For the Las Vegas Raiders, this game is an opportunity to prove they belong in the playoff conversation, and they’ll need to bring their best effort on both sides of the ball. Head coach Josh McDaniels summed up the importance of the matchup: “Every game from here on out is a playoff game for us. This one against the Chargers is no different—we need to win, and we’re going to prepare like it’s the biggest game of our season.” Week 13 Preview Against Chargers for the Las Vegas Raiders concludes that this matchup is more than just a divisional clash; it’s a make-or-break moment for the Raiders’ season, and the outcome will have far-reaching implications for their playoff aspirations.