The San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders both have their eyes set on Los Angeles for the 2016 season. Their Thursday Night Football matchup may prove to be the last time these two teams play in a true home/away atmosphere.
Chargers vs. Raiders 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Is this the final Chargers-Raiders game played outside of Los Angeles?
The Chargers and Raiders announced plans for a shared venue in Carson, California, earlier this year. The $1.7 billion stadium project has attracted considerable support, including from Disney’s Bob Iger. If completed, both teams would either share the facility while remaining AFC West rivals, or one team would move to the NFC.
As for the game in question, each club have already been eliminated from playoff contention. However, with both have plenty on the line as the season closes out. For San Diego, head coach Mike McCoy might need to lead his squad to a strong finish to keep his job. The Chargers entered the year with Super Bowl aspirations, but now rank among the league's worst teams. Meanwhile, the Raiders want to continue building the confidence of their young stars, Derek Carr, Amari Cooper and Khalil Mack. With another strong offseason, they could compete for a playoff spot in 2016.
While the Chargers' season has disappointed greatly, they still have a blue-chip quarterback playing good football. Philip Rivers, despite absorbing as many sacks through Week 15 as he did all of last year, has reduced his interception percentage by over a full percentage point while throwing for more yards and a higher completion percentage. With even a league-average supporting cast, Rivers might have dragged San Diego to the postseason.
Of course, the Chargers lack the necessary talent after their yearly injury plague. Every member of the team's starting offensive line has missed time this season, and many of its backups also have suffered injuries. Among the team's top receivers, only Malcom Floyd remains active, though he has played through a torn labrum to do so. At tight end, Antonio Gates missed the first four games because of suspension, and has missed time since as well. Backup Ladarius Green has dealt with concussion issues.
Injuries have hit the backfield as well, with first-round pick Melvin Gordon landing on season-ending IR earlier this week. With so much talent unable to suit up, it's little wonder why the Chargers have only won four games.
Conversely, the Raiders entered the season with low expectations and managed to squash them within the first half of the season. Carr demonstrated considerable improvement over his rookie form. Meanwhile, Cooper proved himself to be the best rookie wideout by a sizable margin, crossing the 1,000-yard threshold last week.
On defense, Khalil Mack has developed into one of the league's most feared pass rushers, helping the defense become a formidable unit. The team also uncovered a diamond in the rough with free agent receiver Michael Crabtree. A castoff of the San Francisco 49ers, Crabtree posted his best numbers — 76 catches for 849 yards and seven touchdowns — since the 2012 season. The Raiders aren't ready for a deep playoff run yet, but it appears they found their nucleus.
How to watch
When: 8:25 p.m. ET
Where: O.co Coliseum, Oakland
TV: NFL Network
Commentators: Jim Nantz, Phil Simms, Tracy Wolfson
Online: Verizon NFL Mobile, NFL.com/watch
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