The Oakland Raiders have dropped four games in a row, and the Los Angeles Chargers have lost four of their last five games, but something is going to have to give Sunday afternoon at ROKiT Field at Dignity Health Sports Park.
While the Bolts' dreams for postseason play are officially dashed, the Silver and Black still have an outside shot at making the postseason tournament, but in order for those hopes to stay alive, they need to handle business and fly back to Northern California with a W Sunday evening.
Kickoff in Carson is scheduled for 1:05 PM; so here are three matchups to watch once the action gets underway.
Trayvon Mullen vs. Keenan Allen
Since taking over a starting role on the Silver and Black's defense Week 8, Mullen has gone against his fair share of quality wideouts, and that will once again be the case Sunday afternoon when the talented rookie squares off against Keenan Allen.
Allen is once again having a Pro Bowl-worthy (literally) campaign, as he's already eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in receiving yards, and unsurprisingly leads the Bolts in both catches and receiving yards.
Mike Williams is a very good receiver in his own right, and he'll likely get to 1,000 yard this season as well, but Allen really is "that dude" out wide for the Chargers.
Particularly with Daryl Worley's status for Week 16 unclear, much will be asked of the rookie from Clemson, and coming off the best game of his young career, I'm excited to watch Mullen go to work.
Kolton Miller vs. Joey Bosa
Earlier this season when the Raiders and Chargers met for the first time – a 26-24 Raiders' win for those who forgot – Joey Bosa was largely held in check.
Yes, the stud defensive end did register one tackle for loss, but aside from that singular instance, Bosa didn't deliver the type of game-wrecking performance that we've seen him put together since entering the NFL.
No. 97 has just two sacks over the past five weeks, but even so, he still has 10.5 on the year, and is an absolute behemoth to try to stop at the line of scrimmage.
While the Raiders' offensive line has by and large been its most-consistent group in '19, the big fellas up front did surrender four sacks in last week's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and that's no doubt a number they'd like to see drop over the final two weeks of the regular season.
Kolton Miller has very quietly put together an impressive sophomore campaign, let's see what he can do in his second matchup of the year against Bosa.
Raiders' linebackers vs. Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler
The one-two punch of Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler is likely one of the best in the NFL.
After missing the first portion of the season, Gordon has rounded into form, and while his numbers aren't overly impressive in '19, he's still averaging four yards per carry and has six touchdowns to his name.
Ekeler, on the other hand, is having a career year in own right, as he's become a consistent weapon in the Bolts' aerial assault, recording 892 receiving yards, and a staggering eight receiving touchdowns.
Together, Gordon and Ekeler can attack a defense in myriad ways, and the Silver and Black's defense – the linebackers in particular – are going to have their hands full come game time.
Let's not forget that Philip Rivers has struggled with consistency this season, so I think if Paul Guenther's group can take away the Los Angeles ground attack, the Silver and Black have a good chance returning home with a win.
Recap the Raiders' Week 15 with the top shots from the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.
The Raiders huddle before the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) rushes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) breaks a tackle during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 15, 2019. The Oakland Raiders won 20-16.
Raiders wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) celebrates his 40-yard touchdown catch with tight end Derek Carrier (85) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) makes a catch during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) celebrates a 40-yard touchdown catch with fans during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) eyes the quarterback during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) kicks a field goal during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) kicks off during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders linebacker Marquel Lee (52) and defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) celebrate during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders linebacker Will Compton (51) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) and cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) make a tackle during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) defends during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) runs on the field during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) hands the ball off to running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) makes a catch during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) stands on the field during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders cornerback Nevin Lawson (26) and linebacker Will Compton (51) make a tackle during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders defensive end Josh Mauro (97) stands on the field during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders tight end Derek Carrier (85) goes to block a punt during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) hands the ball off to running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Raiders line up before the snap during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) hands the ball off to running back DeAndré Washington (33) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders guard Richie Incognito (64) stands on the field during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders tight end Derek Carrier (85) talks with fullback Alec Ingold (45) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) rushes the quarterback during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) stands on the field during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98), cornerback Isaiah Johnson (31) and defensive end Benson Mayowa (91) celebrate during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders tackle Brandon Parker (75) blocks during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) celebrates during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) rushes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) looks for a receiver during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) punts during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders safety Dallin Leavitt (32) stands on the field during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders linebacker Marquel Lee (52) celebrates during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders cornerback Keisean Nixon (22) defends during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) returns a punt during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) and tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) rushes the quarterback during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) rushes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Oakland Raiders guard Richie Incognito (64) and tackle Kolton Miller (74) block during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders defensive end Benson Mayowa (91) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) rushes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Oakland Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) punts during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) rushes the quarterback during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders defensive end Dion Jordan (95) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sack the quarterback during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) punts during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders defensive end Benson Mayowa (91) and defensive end Dion Jordan (95) celebrate during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) blocks during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) lines up before the snap during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) defends during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) makes a tackle during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) stands on the field during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) celebrates with linebacker Marquel Lee (52) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) breaks up a pass during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders linebacker Will Compton (51) and linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) make a tackle during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders linebacker Will Compton (51) makes a tackle during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) hands the ball off to running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders guard Richie Incognito (64) stands on the field during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
