Chargers-Raiders Game Preview: Herbert and Bolts Host Vegas to Start 2024

The Chargers will face the Raiders to open the 2024 regular season. Both teams had a tumultuous 2023 season, with both franchises ending the year without the head coach they started with. The Chargers are now led by Jim Harbaugh, while the Raiders have Antonio Pierce at the helm.

Each week I will give you a quick “snapshot” of both teams in terms of how they have performed offensively and defensively up to that point in the season. Since this is week one and no games have happened yet, these numbers are from the end of last season to show where they rank in 2023 compared to the other teams.

That being said, let’s look at the numbers!

*Team stats all via ESPN Stats. Individual stats via Pro Football Reference.

Chargers Attack

Total yards per game: 329.4 (18th of 32)
Points per game: 20.4 (21st)
Passing yards per game: 232.8 (13th)
Rushing yards per game: 96.6 (25th)

Top performers

Passing: QB Justin Herbert – 3,134 passing yards, 20 TDs
Running yards: RB Austin Ekeler – 628
Rushing touchdowns: RB Austin Ekeler – Five
Yards Receiving: WR Keenan Allen – 1,243
Receptions: WR Keenan Allen – 108
Touchdowns received: WR Keenan Allen – Seven

Chargers defense

Total yards allowed per game: 362.9 (28th)
Points allowed per game: 23.4 (24th)
Passing yards allowed per game: 249.8 (30th)
Rushing yards allowed per game: 113.2 (17th)

Top performers

Tackles: S Derwin James – 125
Tackles for Loss: EDGE Khalil Mack – 21
Bags: EDGE Khalil Mack – 17
Passes defended: CB Asante Samuel Jr. – 13
Interceptions: CB Asante Samuel Jr., S Alohi Gilman – Two
Forced Fumbles: EDGE Khalil Mack – Five
Fumble Recovery: Four Players Tied @ Three

Raiders Attack

Total yards per game: 289.5 (27th)
Points per game: 19.5 (23rd)
Passing yards per game: 198.8 (23rd)
Rushing yards per game: 90.7 (30th)

Top performers

Passing: QB Aidan O’Connell – 2,218 passing yards, 12 touchdowns
Running yards: RB Josh Jacobs – 805
Rushing TDs: RB Josh Jacobs – Six
Yards Receiving: WR Davante Adams – 1,144
Receptions: WR Davante Adams – 103
Touchdowns Receiving: WR Davante Adams, WR Jakobi Myers – Eight

Raiders defense

Total yards per game: 330.9 (15th)
Points per game: 19.5 (9th)
Passing yards per game: 212.4 (12th)
Rushing yards per game: 118.5 (21st)

Top performers

Tackles: LB Robert Spillane – 148
Tackles for Loss: EDGE Maxx Crosby – 23
Bags: EDGE Maxx Crosby – 14.5
Passes defended: S Tre’von Moehrig – Eight
Interceptions: S Tre’von Moehrig, LB Robert Spillane – Three
Forced Fumbles: EDGE Malcolm Koonce – Three
Fumble recovery: Eight players tied @ one