Raiders at Chargers: Injury Questions Leave Week 2 as a Pass
Los Angeles brings four straight series wins, but Las Vegas’ encouraging opener and injury questions on both offenses complicate the betting case.
Matchup and recent form
The Las Vegas Raiders visit the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, September 20, for Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season. Kickoff is 1:05 p.m. PT. Las Vegas enters 1-0 after beating Miami 27-13; Los Angeles is 0-1 following a 26-14 loss to Arizona.
The Chargers have won eight of the past 12 meetings, including the last four, and scored at least 20 points in each of those 12 games. That history favors Los Angeles, but it does not establish that this team should cover 6.5 points.
Las Vegas had several tangible positives in its opener. Ashton Jeanty produced 147 scrimmage yards, including 102 rushing yards and two receiving touchdowns. The Raiders recorded five sacks, with Maxx Crosby contributing 1.5 sacks and six pressures. By comparison, Los Angeles sacked Arizona quarterback Jacoby Brissett once and generated nine pressures, a 21.4% pressure rate. Those performances came against different opponents, limiting a direct comparison.
Availability could change the outlook
Ladd McConkey caught five passes for 82 yards and a touchdown before leaving the Chargers’ opener. Justin Herbert averaged 8.9 yards per pass attempt before McConkey’s departure and 3.9 afterward. That split makes his availability relevant, although it does not prove his absence alone caused the decline.
McConkey missed Wednesday’s practice with a rib injury. Raiders tight end Brock Bowers also did not practice because of a knee injury, while Jeanty participated fully despite an ankle designation. Wednesday’s participation report does not establish whether McConkey or Bowers will play Sunday.