📸 Image Credit: Las Vegas Raiders
The Los Angeles Chargers found their rhythm in Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season, grinding out a 20-9 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in a heated AFC West showdown. This wasn’t a blowout, nor was it a shootout — instead, fans witnessed a tactical battle where Los Angeles’ big plays and opportunistic defense made the difference.
For the Raiders, it was another frustrating night. They moved the ball in stretches but failed to finish drives, settling for field goals instead of touchdowns. In the end, that inability to execute in the red zone cost them a chance at a comeback.
Final Score
- Los Angeles Chargers 20
- Las Vegas Raiders 9
First Quarter: Feeling Each Other Out
The game opened with both teams cautiously testing each other.
- The Chargers struck first, as Cameron Dicker converted a 38-yard field goal, rewarding Los Angeles for capitalizing on a defensive turnover.
- The Raiders responded with their own kicker, Daniel Carlson, nailing a 54-yarder that showcased his leg strength and tied the game at 3-3.
The defining play of the quarter, however, came late. Justin Herbert engineered an 8-play, 72-yard drive, capped by a 10-yard touchdown pass to Keenan Allen. With that, the Chargers grabbed a 10-3 lead and never looked back.
Second Quarter: Chargers Deliver the Gut Punch
Las Vegas tried to swing momentum with another long drive, and Carlson’s 40-yard field goal narrowed the score to 10-6.
But Herbert had other plans. On a play-action design, he hit Quentin Johnston in stride for a 60-yard touchdown bomb, silencing Raiders fans and pushing the score to 17-6. That single play showcased both Herbert’s arm talent and Johnston’s emerging deep-threat ability.
The Raiders had a chance to answer before halftime, driving inside enemy territory, but a costly interception near the end zone killed their momentum. Instead of cutting into the lead, they went into the locker room frustrated and still trailing.
Third Quarter: Chargers Control the Tempo
The Chargers opened the second half leaning on balance. Austin Ekeler and the run game kept the clock moving, and Herbert managed the offense with efficiency. A 12-play, 72-yard drive chewed up over seven minutes, ending in Dicker’s 20-yard field goal to make it 20-6.
The Raiders struggled to sustain drives. Penalties and conservative play-calling left them punting instead of pressuring the Chargers’ secondary. The inability to stretch the field continued to haunt them.
Fourth Quarter: Raiders Run Out of Time
Daniel Carlson did his part again, drilling a 37-yard field goal to make it 20-9. The Raiders’ defense even forced a late stop to give the offense one more chance.
But once again, when it mattered most, the Chargers’ defense clamped down. A desperate heave into the red zone was intercepted, sealing the victory for Los Angeles. The Raiders ended the game with no touchdowns — a brutal reality in a divisional matchup where every point matters.
Key Highlights
- Justin Herbert: Threw for 2 touchdowns (Allen, Johnston) and orchestrated long, efficient drives.
- Keenan Allen: Mr. Reliable found the end zone early and kept the chains moving.
- Quentin Johnston: Breakout game with a momentum-shifting 60-yard score.
- Cameron Dicker: Perfect on the night, delivering 3 field goals and extra points.
- Daniel Carlson: The Raiders’ MVP of the night, scoring all 9 points.
- Chargers’ Defense: 2 takeaways, constant pressure, and clutch play in the red zone.
- Injury Note: Star pass rusher Khalil Mack exited with an elbow injury, raising questions for next week.
What Went Wrong
Raiders
- Red-Zone Inefficiency: Three trips inside scoring range produced zero touchdowns. Settling for field goals is not enough against Herbert.
- Turnovers at the Worst Times: An interception near the end zone before halftime was a backbreaker.
- Play-Calling Concerns: The offense looked predictable. Short passes and runs couldn’t challenge the Chargers vertically.
- No Offensive Touchdowns: A glaring stat that defined the game.
Chargers
- Missed Killer Instinct: Despite leading, Los Angeles left points on the board, settling for field goals in drives that could’ve ended the contest earlier.
- Injury Worries: Mack’s exit could hurt their pass rush in future games.
- Run Game Inconsistency: Ekeler had flashes but the ground attack lacked sustained dominance.
What This Win Means
- Chargers (1-1): This was more than just a win — it was a statement that Herbert and his playmakers can deliver explosive moments. The defense looked opportunistic, though Mack’s health will be the storyline moving forward.
- Raiders (0-2): Another divisional loss puts them in an early hole. The defense did enough to keep them in the game, but without offensive touchdowns, they’ll struggle to compete in the AFC West.
Looking Ahead
Raiders: The pressure mounts heading into Week 3. To avoid an early-season spiral, they must fix their offensive identity fast.
Chargers: Next week, Los Angeles will try to build momentum and string together wins. The coaching staff may need to fine-tune the run game.
