Bold Predictions for Raiders' Week 1 Matchup vs. Justin Herbert, Chargers

The new Las Vegas Raiders regime will face a trial-by-fire debut when they travel to Los Angeles to take on the Chargers in an AFC West season opener.

The two sides delivered an instant classic in Week 18 last season. The Raiders clinched a playoff spot while eliminating the Chargers with a 35-32 win in overtime on a Daniel Carlson field goal.

Much has changed for both teams heading into 2022. Not only do the Raiders have a new coaching staff led by Josh McDaniels, but they also have notable veteran additions in Davante Adams and Chandler Jones.

The Chargers are a new-look squad as well. They added real strength to their defense in the offseason by signing J.C. Jackson and trading for Khalil Mack.

Here's a look at how the game could play out through the lens of some bold predictions.

Davante Adams Goes for Over 100 Yards in Debut

Derek Carr will lean heavily on Davante Adams in Week 1. (Chris Unger/Getty Images)

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 14: Wide receiver Davante Adams #17 of the Las Vegas Raiders warms up before a preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium on August 14, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)

On paper, Davante Adams has a tough matchup to kick off his Raiders tenure.

The Chargers spent a lot of money to bring in J.C. Jackson. He's been one of the league's best corners over the last few seasons. In 2021, he held opposing quarterbacks to a passer rating of 46.8 while picking off eight passes.

It stands to reason that Jackson and Adams will see a lot of each other in Week 1.

However, it's important to note that Adams has been resilient to even the toughest matchups. For instance, he saw off Jalen Ramsey and the Rams in Week 12 last year. He wound up with eight catches for 104 yards on nine targets.

Ramsey gave up seven completions on seven targets for 48 yards.

Derek Carr is likely to be under duress often in this game. He was sacked three times and hit three more in the Week 18 matchup, and the Chargers have added Khalil Mack.

But the biggest failing was Darren Waller's inability to help his quarterback out by only catching two of his nine targets. This year, when Carr is feeling the pressure, he has Adams to funnel the ball to.

Expect the new addition to take full advantage and get to at least 100 yards in his first game in silver and black.

Maxx Crosby Will Sack Justin Herbert at Least Twice

Maxx Crosby dominated the last time he saw the Chargers. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) lines up for the play during an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)

Justin Herbert should still be seeing visions of Maxx Crosby in his head after Week 18 last season.

The All-Pro defensive end was a recurring matchup nightmare as he had two sacks and four pressures in the season finale. He consistently beat right tackle Storm Norton off the snap and made it difficult for the Chargers quarterback to find time in the pocket.

The Chargers aren't starting Norton at right tackle this year, but it isn't clear they upgraded much. Trey Pipkins is the likely starter. He only played 173 snaps last season, but he saw 571 in 2020 and managed to concede five sacks in that small sample size, per PFF.

Even if Pipkins has improved since his last turn as a starter, he's facing an incredibly tough matchup to kick off the season.

Crosby is in line for a strong start to his fourth season and what could be a double-digit sack campaign.

Chargers Win by Two Scores

Jermaine Eluemunor and the offensive line will have their hands full against the Chargers defense. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: Offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemunor #72 of the Las Vegas Raiders during the NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 33-27 in overtime. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

While Raiders fans are going to hope this game looks a lot like the regular-season finale from 2021, it could also wind up looking more like the Week 4 matchup in which the Chargers won 28-14.

In that game, the Las Vegas offensive line woes were too much to overcome. Carr was sacked four times, pressured on 30 percent of his dropbacks and threw for under 200 yards. The Raiders couldn't keep up with the high-octane Chargers offense.

The Raiders are improved in a lot of ways. The coaching staff should have more continuity after Vegas had to work through firing Jon Gruden during the season last year. Adams gives the offense more firepower and the defense has had several changes that should result in a better unit.

This is still an offensive line with serious questions, though. Outside of Kolton Miller at left tackle, it's hard to feel confident in anyone else.

It's a group that is young and should get better as the season goes on, but it is going to take its lumps early in the season. That starts with the Chargers' pass rush headlined by Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack.

Prediction: Chargers 28, Raiders 17