It would be easy for the Raiders to see the Chargers as vulnerable Sunday.
The San Diego team that will come into O.co Coliseum is just 1-3 and has lost three heartbreakers. The Chargers simply haven't been able to come through in the fourth quarter. San Diego is coming off back-to-back tough losses to the Saints and Colts, and head caoch Mike McCoy's job appears to be in jeopardy.
Plus, the team lost staring cornerback Jason Verrett for the season this week, one of seeral key players (including running back Danny Woodhead and wideout Keenan Allen) that have been lost for the year.
Oddsmakers have made the Raiders 3 1/2-point favorites for the game that is set to kick off at 1:25 p.m.
But, Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio says the Chargers -- despite all their problems -- are a dangerous football team. The Chargers passing attack ranks No. 8 in the NFL, averaging 265.8 yards per game. San Diego also is scoring 302. points per game, the third best mark in the league.
Quarterback Philip Rivers remains one of the best in the NFL, said Del Rio.
Raiders
"They lost arguably their best guy in Keenan Allen and their best running back, Woodhead, yet they're averaging 30 points a game with Rivers," said Del Rio. "What Philip does and what he's done over the years, the guy is ultra competitive. He's always at or near the top in statistical categories for a quarterback. So I've got a lot of respect for Philip."
Del Rio pointed out, too, that it's a divisional matchup between teams that know each other very well, so he belives the Chargers will come out playing hard.
I'ts a good football team," Del Rio said. "Well coached. Have a lot of respect for Mike (McCoy) and his group ... We're getting ourselves geared up for it."
The Raiders, meanwhile, will be without starting running back Latavius Murray. He'll be replaced for the most part by the rookie duo of DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard.
Kickoff for Siunday's game is set for 1:25 p.m.
