Oakland Raiders vs. San Diego Chargers: Score and Stat Predictions

It's slated to be quite a game in Southern California on Thursday night between the visiting Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers.

Both are 4-4 and are fighting to regain the momentum in the AFC West. The winner becomes the immediate contender with the Kansas City Chiefs, while the loser has just that much more ground to make up before season's end.

So with that in mind, here are stat projections for each team as well as a final score prediction to close it out.

Raiders Offense

If there's one area where Oakland can really control this game, it's in the trenches. The Raiders have the No. 3 ranked rushing offense that averages over 150 yards per game.

Also, Oakland has proven they can keep rolling on the ground whether Darren McFadden or Michael Bush are in the backfield. That said, it only takes pressure off QB Carson Palmer who is expected to continue improving after his abysmal opening act in Week 7.

And with San Diego allowing 120 rush yards per game (ranked No. 18), the Raiders really have no reason to throw the ball if the ground game maintains throughout. Sure, the Bolts will stack the box, but if they still don't stop it then why risk throwing it?

The Chargers do rank No. 4 in pass defense and safety Eric Weddle leads the NFL with five INTs, so passing the ball must be chosen wisely. In turn, Oakland needs to allow the ground game to setup the pass because Palmer does have speedy WRs to throw it, as well as former Bengals teammate T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

By game's end, however, the Raiders will have used up more clock thanks to their solid ability to pound the rock.

Passing: 180 yards on 24 attempts, no TDs, one INT.

Rushing: 175 yards on 35 carries, three TDs.

Receiving: 180 yards on 14 receptions, no TDs.

Chargers Offense

Although the Chargers rank No. 4 in passing offense, not having a threatening ground game is ultimately their Achilles' Heel.

QB Philip Rivers can only throw the ball so many times, and although he's having a lackluster season, trying to establish something on the ground must happen. Both RBs Mike Tolbert and Ryan Mathews are solid and versatile backs, but the Bolts only rank No. 16 in rush offense.

Luckily for San Diego, however, Oakland's defense is quite susceptible to both the rush and pass. The Raiders allow almost 140 rush yards per game as well as almost 250 passing. Therefore, if coach Norv Turner can keep a balanced attack and not fall behind early (like against Green Bay), then the Bolts will have a good chance to win.

The only problem is that San Diego must play a full 60 minutes. The second half against the Jets was dismal (goose-egged) and the first half versus the Packers was arguably just as bad, if not worse.

Just as long as Rivers doesn't throw three picks and fumble in clutch situations, San Diego will be able to move the ball effectively.

Passing: 255 yards on 35 attempts, one TD, one INT.

Rushing: 115 yards on 25 carries, one TD.

Receiving: 255 yards, 20 receptions, one TD.

Prediction

Both teams are desperate for a win and combined, there is a five-game losing streak between them. However, it's obvious that the Chargers are lacking with consistency whereas the Raiders are struggling with injuries and rustiness (so to speak).

Nonetheless, running the football is what wins games in a time of development. Oakland has a great ground game and Carson Palmer has yet to develop chemistry with his WRs.

As for the Chargers, Rivers is simply having a down year and the slow-start/strong finish is no more in San Diego (none of their four wins are impressive by any means, where Oakland has defeated the Jets and Texans).

Raiders 27, Chargers 17

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report. 

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