Raiders vs. Chargers: Why Vincent Jackson Will Dominate on Thursday Night

San Diego Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson put on a clinic in his team's 45-38 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 9, and it appears he is finally fully healthy and ready to continue his dominance this week. 

Jackson is the total package as a receiver. He's 6'5" and 230 pounds, has excellent speed, soft hands and is athletic enough to go up and get passes in traffic. Against the Packers, that was all on display as he hauled in seven catches for 141 yards and two touchdowns. 

Even after playing through abdominal and hamstring injuries to start the season, the Northern Colorado product has 34 catches for 613 yards and six touchdowns in eight games. What's more, those numbers have come while his quarterback, Philip Rivers, has struggled with his consistency.

On Thursday night, Jackson will be up against a pass defense that is allowing 246.9 yards per game through the air. That ranks 20th in the league. The Raiders will also be missing cornerbacks Chris Johnson and DeMarcus Van Dyke, which will further deplete an already weak unit, while safety Michael Huff has been battling an ankle injury but will be active.

Quite frankly, if Rivers is going to bounce back this will be the game he'll do it. Furthermore, Jackson will be the guy he looks to for help. The Chargers' top receiving threat should have plenty of chances to shine on Thursday night and I expect Rivers to get the ball to him early and often.

While San Diego typically employs a fairly balanced attack—especially early in games—Jackson should be a mismatch against anyone the Raiders throw his way. Head coach Norv Turner and Rivers are sure to focus on getting their big receiver plenty of touches.