Another week, another primetime divisional matchup for the Bolts as they travel to Vegas to take on the Las Vegas Raiders in an early but crucial matchup on Monday Night Football at 10 PM EST/7 PM PST!

Week 1 For Both Squads:

The Chargers took care of business against the AFC West kings, the Kansas City Chiefs, while Geno Smith and the new-look Raiders took home a win despite Ashton Jeanty’s rough debut. The Chargers unveiled a revolutionary concept of letting their generational talent quarterback sling the ball 34 times en route to their 20-13 win, while the Raiders rode their own generational talent in Brock Bowers to a successful day through the air.

Geno Smith had a big day where he posted an 83.8 PFF grade against a Patriots defense that was expected to be a stingy unit, even without All-Pro Christian Gonzalez on the field. Both teams followed a very similar script: strong air attacks, an inefficient run game, and a defense that was able to limit the big play and draw out long drives, eventually working to find a mistake to exploit.

Bitten by an Early Injury Bug?

Both teams are expected to either miss either some of their regular starters or even their game changers. On the Bolts side, as we know by now they are without All-Pro Tackle Rashawn Slater for the season, but adding on is the loss of veteran linebacker Denzel Perryman, who is expected to miss some time with a high ankle sprain. This thins an already scarce position linebacker core outside of Daiyan Henley, an issue that is compounded by the questionable designation placed on Del’Shawn Phillps, leaving just Troy Dye and Marlowe Wax and the lone healthy inside backers next to Henley. Safety Elijah Molden is out with an injured hamstring. This loss opens the door for RJ Mickens to prove his case for more playing time after a very strong offseason and preseason, or the potential elevation of preseason darling and fan favorite Tony Jefferson.

It’s very possible that the Silver-and-Black are dealing with a much worse case of the injury bug after Week 1, as they will be missing standout interior lineman and former Oregon Duck, Jackson Powers-Johnson with a concussion. They're also dealing with the uncertainty of a questionable designation on their superstar tight end–and easily their best offensive player–Brock Bowers who exited last weeks contest with a knee injury. Bowers registered his first limited practice action on Saturday, but is expected to suit up for the Raiders on Monday Night. The question of how effective he will be is obviously to be determined. Former second-round pick Michael Mayer may be expected to take more of the load than usual from the tight end spot if Bowers isn’t his usual game-breaking self.

Chargers-Raiders: By the Numbers

• The Chargers and Raiders are both looking to improve their run game, as both offenses recorded 3.6 and 3.3 yards per carry, respectively.

• The last time Chargers WR Quentin Johnston played the Raiders, he put up a career high 186 yards.

• Justin Herbert is 6-3 vs. the Raiders, with an astounding 2,170 passing yards,16 touchdowns, and only 2 INTs.

• Coaches Jim Harbaugh and Pete Carroll have a long, storied rivalry, as this game will break a 10-year-long tie, with a head-to-head record of 6-6 between the two.

• Both teams are looking to separate themselves and take advantage of the first-ever 0-2 start in the Patrick Mahomes era in KC.

My Prediction

Ok, I’m riding the high of calling the Bolts' upset win in Brazil, and I’m fully aware it’s rare that two good things happen to the Chargers in a row ... but I’m buying in anyways. This Chargers offense looks like an entirely new unit: the re-addition of Keenan Allen, the use of Quentin Johnston’s athleticism and RAC ability, Mehki Becton looking like an All-Pro out of the gate ... all of these things make me think that this Chargers team should handle a much less talented Raiders team just like they did last year when they swept the season series by a total score of 56-30.

The addition of Geno Smith makes this Raiders team different than previous years, and Pete Carroll is going to build a winning culture in Vegas, but talent matters, and it feels like this Chargers team simply has more of it. I see the Chargers' offense picking up where they left off, and Khalil Mack having his yearly demolition of the Raiders in primetime. The Chargers get off to a 2-0 start and take sole possession at the top of the AFC West with a late-night 31-20 victory over their most hated rivals.