The Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders are set to close out Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season on Monday Night Football, the second of a doubleheader in what is set to be a jam-packed evening on the gridiron.
The Chargers are coming off a 27-21 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs last week in Brazil, while the Raiders took down the New England Patriots, 20-13, in head coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Geno Smith’s debut in the silver and black.
Both teams had a lot going for them last week, but in an intense divisional battle between the two bitter rivals, anything can happen on primetime in Las Vegas.
After a standout rookie season, Raiders tight end Brock Bowers started the new year off with a five-reception game, totaling 103 yards in the victory. He is listed as questionable (knee), but is still expected to play after a limited practice on Saturday.
Which AFC West rival will move to 2-0 in the second game of a Monday Night Football doubleheader? The staff at Newsweek Sports has some insight.
Gabe Smallson: As electric as Justin Herbert looked in last week’s win over the Chiefs, the Raiders showed flashes of being a team that would love to spoil the expectations set for their divisional foes. Geno Smith’s air attack and Ashton Jeanty looking like he will almost always require a second defender to bring him down will wear out LA, as the atmosphere for the Raiders’ home opener will help sway things in Vegas’ favor.
Prediction: Raiders 34, Chargers 28
Aaron Coloma: Both the Chargers and the Raiders pulled out huge Week 1 wins, and have to be feeling good heading into Week 2. Tied at the top of the AFC West, both teams generated nearly 400 yards of offense in their opening game. I think this matchup will be much closer than people think, but without Brock Bowers at 100%, I have the Chargers edging the Raiders.
Prediction: Chargers 31, Raiders 27
Valentina Martinez: The Chargers and Raiders clash in an AFC West showdown with both teams entering the matchup 1-0. Justin Herbert has never looked better for the Bolts, and if he can replicate another strong performance, it’s hard to imagine LA concluding Week 2 without a victory. However, Pete Carroll’s Raiders will put up a good fight at Allegiant Stadium.
Prediction: Chargers 24, Raiders 14
Noah Camras: The Chargers and Raiders close out Week 2 with an AFC West battle. Both teams are coming off Week 1 wins, and the winner of Monday night’s game will take sole possession of first place in the division. Justin Herbert looked like an MVP candidate in Week 1 against the Kansas City Chiefs, and he’ll carry that momentum into a road win at Allegiant Stadium.
Prediction: Chargers 27, Raiders 20
Ricardo Sandoval: We’ll be in for a ride for what should be a stellar AFC West showdown. The Chargers will head to Las Vegas to take on the Raiders after a great win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1. Now back on American soil, look for the Chargers to continue their outstanding play and spoil the Raiders’ home opener.
Yes, the Raiders have an upgrade at the quarterback position with Geno Smith, but it appears that Justin Herbert is out for blood this season. If we are just basing it on Week 1, Herbert is on pace to be an MVP candidate, possibly.
Prediction: Chargers 30, Raiders 20
Nelson Espinal: The Chargers are riding high after beating their division rival Kansas City Chiefs. The Bolts get two extra days of rest because they played on Friday which should allow the Jim Harbaugh-led team to come out more physical and fresh than the Raiders.
The Raiders are much improved from last season, especially at the running back and quarterback spots, but the rest of the team remains exposed to good teams. Expect the Chargers to come out ready for the road rivalry game and start the season 2-0.
Prediction: Chargers 30, Raiders 17