Breaking Down the Oakland Raiders' Schedule: Part 1

Game 1: San Diego Chargers

For the Raiders to Win:

LaDainian Tomlinson finally gets shut down against the Raiders, but Darren Sproles comes in and picks-up 110 yards, including a touchdown. It was a 44-yard run that hurt the Raiders.

Philip Rivers goes 15-for-23 for 126 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. The interceptions were collected by Thomas Howard and Chris Johnson. Of the 126 yards, 34 come on a touchdown on a screen to Antonio Gates.

JaMarcus Russell goes 14-for-17 for 142 yards and two touchdowns, but he has a fumble. The first touchdown of the season for the Raiders was a Russell-to-Chaz Schillens pass for 16 yards and six points to get a 7-0 lead (Sebastian Janikowski makes the PAT). The other touchdown was to Johnnie Lee Higgins.

Darren McFadden gets 93 yards on 23 carries and a touchdown. Justin Fargas collects 26 yards on eight carries, and Michael Bush gets 56 yards on 17 carries, including yet another touchdown. Lorenzo Neal and the offensive line block their tails off.

Final Score: Raiders 31, Chargers 20

For the Raiders to Lose:

Tomlinson gets shut down in this one too, but Sproles comes in earlier and picks up 135 yards, absolutely demolishing the Raider defense. Sproles also scores two touchdowns.

Rivers goes 20-for-22 for 256 yards and three touchdowns. Chris Chambers gets two of the Chargers' passing touchdowns, along with 158 yards.

Russell fumbles, throws a touchdown, throws an interception, and goes 17-for-29. It's not his day. The only touchdown was seven yards to Zach Miller.

Using three different rushers, the Raiders only combine for 90 running yards. McFadden gets 21 yards, Bush gets 40, and Fargas gets 29.

Final Score: Chargers 35, Raiders 23.