4. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders earned their first win of the season last week in an absolute barn-burner against the Cleveland Browns. Most people have written off the Raiders, but a win in Week 5 will put them in a possible three-way tie for second place in the AFC West. Granted, that record will be 2-3. Regardless, the Raider’s season is not over…yet.
This game will essentially be a home game for the Raiders, despite being in Los Angeles. To echo that point, the Chargers have reportedly been practicing with crowd noise in anticipation of the away team’s fans, not theirs.
The Raiders have what it takes to beat the Chargers who almost lost to the 49ers, led by backup C.J. Beathard. With quarterback Derek Carr seemingly back on track — he is fourth in total passing yards — the Raiders passing offense looks deadly. If Carr has a solid game, the Raiders have a very good chance of running away with the game. Although the man throwing the rock for the other side, Philip Rivers, is one of the best in the business, and can never be counted out.
This game is very winnable for the Raiders, and a win would go a long way in keeping their season afloat. A loss essentially wraps it up, but with a win over the Chargers in Week 5, and a win in Week 6 against the hapless Seahawks, the Raiders will be .500 after starting 0-3. Crazier things have happened, but it has to start in Week 5.