How to watch Raiders vs. Chargers 2014: Time, TV schedule and live stream

San Diego desperately needs a win to stay relevant, while Oakland needs a win to avoid becoming historic.

Nov 16, 2014, 5:00 PM UTC

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

After six games, the San Diego Chargers were 5-1 and leading the crowded AFC West. Across the country, pundits were beginning to whisper that the Chargers might be the best team in football, able to dethrone Denver for the division mantle. Fast forward to the present and San Diego is reeling. Following losses to the Chiefs and Broncos, the Chargers were humiliated 37-0 by the Dolphins before enjoying a much-needed bye week.

At 5-4, San Diego clashes with the Oakland Raiders, the only winless team in the NFL.

The Chargers are currently sitting on the outside of the AFC playoff picture. San Diego trails the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers by a half-game for a wild card spot and is tied with the Buffalo Bills and Dolphins. The Raiders and Rams are must-wins before a brutal five-game stretch to close the season, featuring road dates against the Ravens, 49ers and Chiefs and home game with the Broncos and Patriots.

Philip Rivers must get back to his MVP-caliber ways after struggling during this losing streak. After throwing 15 touchdowns against two interceptions in the first six games, Rivers has tossed five of each over the last three contests. Rivers could be getting help with the potential return of Ryan Mathews, who has been out since Week 2 with a knee injury. Mathews is questionable for the game, and Branden Oliver will continue to fill in. Oliver has rushed for 3.8 yards per carry, providing stability in the backfield.

Oakland has been a complete and utter mess throughout the season. The Raiders are the only team which has already fired its coach, relieving Dennis Allen of his duties after an 0-4 start. However, one bright spot appears to be the rookie class. Quarterback Derek Carr has been solid, completing 61.9 percent of his passes despite very limited options. Linebacker Khalil Mack is without a sack, but has become a terror in run defense. Mack has 10 tackles-for-loss, five more than anybody else on the team.

At this point, the Raiders are simply trying to avoid becoming the third team in NFL history to lose every game. Only one team has ever "accomplished" the feat in a 16-game season, the 2007 Detroit Lions. Oakland's best chance is likely against the Rams on the road or the Bills at home.