The Las Vegas Raiders vs Los Angeles Chargers rivalry is one of those things that just refuses to stay predictable. If you grew up watching these two, you know the vibe: it's less about "prestige" and more about who can ruin the other's season in the most chaotic way possible. Honestly, it’s beautiful.
But right now? Things feel a bit different in the AFC West.
The 2025-2026 season just wrapped up its regular schedule, and the gap between these two looks like a canyon. While the Chargers finished at 11-6, securing a wildcard spot under Jim Harbaugh, the Raiders bottomed out at 3-14. It’s the kind of season that makes a fan base want to delete social media for six months.
The Most Recent Disaster (for Vegas)
On November 30, 2025, the two met at SoFi Stadium. It wasn't particularly close. The Chargers took it 31-14, basically putting a stamp on their season sweep of the Silver and Black.
What’s wild is how the Chargers did it. They didn't just out-pass the Raiders; they physically bullied them. The Bolts outgained Vegas on the ground 192 to 31. Think about that for a second. The Raiders, a team that practically has "toughness" trademarked in their branding, couldn't stop a nosebleed in the run game. Ashton Jeanty, the Raiders' bright spot at running back, was held to a measly 2.1 yards per carry.
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Vegas fans had to sit there and watch Geno Smith—who was under center for the Raiders—get sacked five times. It was a mess. The defense missed 18 tackles. You can’t win football games like that. You just can’t.
Why the Rivalry Still Matters (Even When One Team Stinks)
You’d think a 3-14 team wouldn’t care about a rivalry, but this is the Raiders. And the Chargers.
Historically, the Raiders lead the series 69–62–2. It’s incredibly tight for a matchup that started back in 1960. But the recent trend is all "Bolt Up." The Chargers have now won four straight against the Raiders.
The Harbaugh Factor
Jim Harbaugh has brought a specific kind of "glass-eating" intensity to LA. He’s turned Justin Herbert into a hyper-efficient machine. In that November game, Herbert didn't even have to be Superman. He just stayed clean, moved the chains, and let his defense do the dirty work.
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On the flip side, the Raiders ended the 2025 season with a "Vacant" sign on the head coach's door. After the dust settled on their 14th loss, the organization moved on. Again. It feels like a revolving door at Allegiant Stadium, and that’s a problem when you’re trying to build a culture that can compete with Harbaugh’s disciplined squad.
Realities of the Current Standings
Let's look at the AFC West as it stands here in early 2026:
- Denver Broncos: 14-3 (Absolute monsters this year)
- Los Angeles Chargers: 11-6 (Solid, playoff-bound)
- Kansas City Chiefs: 6-11 (The fall of an empire?)
- Las Vegas Raiders: 3-14 (Searching for an identity)
It is sort of shocking to see the Chiefs and Raiders at the bottom together. But for the Chargers, this is a window. They have the quarterback. They have the coach. Now they just need to prove they aren't the "same old Chargers" who choke in January.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Raiders
A lot of folks think the Raiders are just "talentless." That's not true. They have Maxx Crosby, who remains a terrifying human being on the edge. They have young pieces.
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The issue is the "Raider Way" has become a bit of a meme lately. To get back to winning against the Chargers, they have to stop living in the 1970s. They need a modern offensive system that doesn't leave their QB (whoever that ends up being in 2026) out to dry.
What to Watch for in 2026
The next time the Las Vegas Raiders vs Los Angeles Chargers happens, the rosters will look vastly different.
The Raiders have a top-tier draft pick coming up. There’s a lot of talk about them hunting for a franchise savior at QB. Meanwhile, the Chargers are looking to extend their win streak to five. If they do that, it’ll be their longest streak against Vegas since the early 2000s when they won 13 in a row.
Key Stats to Keep in Your Back Pocket:
- Series Lead: Raiders 69-62-2.
- Most Recent Score: Chargers 31, Raiders 14.
- Third Down Failure: In their last meeting, the Raiders went 2-for-8 on third downs. That’s how you lose.
- The Sack Race: Tuli Tuipulotu has become a problem. He’s a huge reason why the Raiders' offensive line looked like turnstiles in 2025.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're betting on or just following this matchup in the coming year, keep your eye on the Raiders' coaching hire. That is the single most important variable. If they hire another "tough guy" who doesn't understand modern analytics, expect the Chargers to keep the streak alive.
Also, watch the Chargers' cap space. They have some big decisions to make with aging veterans like Keenan Allen. If the supporting cast around Herbert thins out, the Raiders might actually have a shot to steal a win at home in Vegas next season.
For Raiders fans, the move is to watch the 2026 NFL Draft closely. For Chargers fans, it's all about whether Harbaugh can translate this regular-season success into a deep playoff run. Either way, the next time these two hit the field, the history won't matter nearly as much as the current desperation in Las Vegas.