Playoff implications are at stake in the final game of the NFL regular season on Sunday night as the Los Angeles Chargers head to Las Vegas to take on AFC West rival, the Raiders from Allegiant Stadium.
Currently, the Chargers sit in the seventh and final playoff spot in the AFC while the Raiders are on the outside looking in. The yellow and blue secure a playoff berth with a victory or a tie. On the other hand, the silver and black climb in the playoffs for the first time since 2016 with either a win, a tie, and Colts loss or a Colts and Steelers loss.
Both teams met in Week 4, with the Chargers winning on their home turf, 28-14. The home team comes in with the momentum, having won three consecutive games over the Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos, and Indianapolis Colts by a combined nine points. Meanwhile, the Chargers are struggling, having lost two of their last three. They blew a lead against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15 and lost in overtime. Then the following week, they lost to the woeful Houston Texans, 41-29. But the Chargers got back on the mend last week, beating the Broncos 34-13.
Their defense has been the Achilles heel for the Chargers as of late. Still, they possess one of the most dangerous offenses in the NFL led by quarterback Justin Herbert along with running back Austin Ekeler and the one-two combo at wide receiver in Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.
While the Chargers have struggled on the defensive side of the ball, it's been a bright spot for the Raiders. They have allowed 20 points or less in four of their last five games. Good news for the Raiders on offense as Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller is expected to return from injury and a bout of COVID-19.
Anytime division rivals clash at the end of the year with significance, it's bound to be a thrilling game.
Here is everything you need to know about the Las Vegas Raiders vs. Los Angeles Chargers.
Who plays on "Sunday Night Football"?
Matchup: Raiders vs. Chargers
Location: Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev.
The Raiders lead the all-time regular-season series against the Chargers, 65-56-2.
What time is the Raiders vs. Chargers game?
Date: Sunday, Jan. 9
Kickoff time: 8:20 p.m. ET
The 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff time is standard for Sunday night games.
How to watch Raiders vs. Chargers: TV, live stream
TV channel: NBC
Live stream: NBC Sports App
Raiders vs. Chargers — like every Sunday night NFL game during the 2021 season — is available on NBC and streamed on the NBC Sports app.