The Silver and Black are back under the lights as the Las Vegas Raiders prepare for their first divisional test of the season. After grinding out a Week 1 win over the New England Patriots, the Raiders welcome the Los Angeles Chargers to Allegiant Stadium for a primetime showdown on Monday Night Football.
Both teams enter the matchup undefeated, with the Chargers fresh off a big win against the defending AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs. With nearly 400 yards of offense apiece in their openers, fans can expect fireworks in this AFC West battle.
Here are the offensive matchups that could decide Monday’s game.
Geno Smith vs. Justin Herbert: Air Raid in the Desert
No quarterback outside of reigning MVP Josh Allen threw for more yards in Week 1 than Geno Smith and Justin Herbert.
Smith made Raiders history in his debut, throwing for 362 yards in the rain while completing over 70% of his passes. Even under heavy pressure, sacked four times, Smith stood tall and delivered. His poise against the blitz — completing 9 of 13 passes for 189 yards and a score — showed Raider Nation he’s ready for the AFC West stage.
Across the field, Herbert was just as sharp. The Chargers QB torched Kansas City’s defense with over 300 passing yards, 70% accuracy, and 32 yards on the ground. His dual-threat ability, especially on late downs, has Pete Carroll’s defense on high alert.
Both quarterbacks were hit often in Week 1 — Smith sacked four times, Herbert three. Whichever offensive line holds up could tilt this matchup.
Ashton Jeanty vs. Omarion Hampton: Rookie Backs on Display
The Raiders and Chargers both spent first-round picks on running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft — and both rookies are learning quickly that the NFL isn’t easy.
Las Vegas handed Ashton Jeanty 19 carries in the opener, but he managed only two yards per attempt. Still, he powered into the end zone for his first career touchdown and showed flashes of the patience Pete Carroll wants to see.
On the other sideline, Omarion Hampton averaged 3.2 yards on 15 carries for L.A. in his debut. Both backs are working through early growing pains, but the opportunity is there for a breakout performance under the primetime lights.
Whichever rookie finds his rhythm could give his team the edge.
Brock Bowers vs. Derwin James: Elite Talent on Elite Talent
The biggest question heading into Monday night is whether Brock Bowers will suit up. The Raiders’ star tight end suffered a knee injury against New England, but Pete Carroll has been cautiously optimistic about his status.
When healthy, Bowers is already one of the most dangerous weapons in football. His five catches for 103 yards in Week 1 led all NFL tight ends in yards after the catch and yards per route. Simply put — he changes the game.
But if there’s one defender built to counter him, it’s Derwin James. The Chargers safety has made a career out of erasing tight ends, allowing just 3.5 yards per target in coverage last season. Expect James to shadow Bowers in critical moments, creating one of the most fascinating one-on-one battles of Week 2.
Raiders vs. Chargers: The Stage is Set
With Geno Smith and Justin Herbert trading big throws, rookies Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton fighting for ground yards, and the possible Bowers–James showdown, this Monday Night Football clash has all the makings of an AFC West classic.
For Raider Nation, this is more than just a divisional matchup — it’s the first chance to prove that Pete Carroll’s Silver and Black are ready to take control of the West.