If you still find yourself searching for san diego chargers vs oakland raiders live updates, you aren’t alone. Even though neither team actually plays in those cities anymore, the ghosts of the "Holy Roller" and the visceral hatred of the AFC West didn't just vanish when moving vans arrived.
Honestly, the NFL is a business, and businesses move. But for fans who grew up watching the Bolts and the Silver and Black beat the hell out of each other at Qualcomm or the Coliseum, the new logos and shiny Las Vegas lights feel a bit like a costume.
The rivalry is 66 years deep now. It started in 1960. Since then, we've seen 133 matchups, with the Raiders holding a narrow lead of 69–62–2. If you’re looking for the current state of play in 2026, the Chargers have actually been on a bit of a tear lately, winning the last four meetings, including a dominant 31–14 victory in November 2025.
The Strange Reality of Modern Streaming
Look, trying to catch a game "live" these days is a headache. You've got Paramount+ for the CBS games, YouTube TV for the Sunday Ticket crowd, and the occasional Prime Video exclusive that makes everyone over 50 swear at their remote.
Basically, if the game is on CBS, you’re looking at Paramount+. If it’s a primetime slot—which these two often get because they can’t help but be dramatic—it’s likely ESPN or NBC.
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The San Diego Chargers vs Oakland Raiders Live Legacy
People forget how much Al Davis influenced this specific matchup. He was an assistant coach for the Chargers before he became the face of the Raiders. That crossover created a "sibling rivalry" energy that never quite went away.
Remember the 2023 blowout? The Raiders put up 63 points. Sixty-three! It was so bad the Chargers fired their coach and GM the next morning. Then, in a move that felt like a scripted soap opera, the Raiders hired that same fired GM, Tom Telesco, to run their front office. You cannot make this stuff up.
Why it's still "San Diego" and "Oakland" to us
The moves to Los Angeles and Las Vegas were sparked by the same thing: stadium money. Or the lack of it.
- The Stadium Squeeze: The Oakland Coliseum was, let’s be real, a dump toward the end. Sewer backups and outdated suites aren't great for billionaire owners.
- The LA Gamble: Dean Spanos wanted that Los Angeles market share, even if it meant being a tenant in the Rams' house at SoFi.
- The Culture Shock: Las Vegas is technically closer to LA than Oakland was to San Diego, but the vibe is totally different. Allegiant Stadium is a "destination," whereas the old stadiums were local fortresses.
I talked to a season ticket holder recently who still wears his Philip Rivers jersey to games in Vegas. He told me, "The dirt in Oakland and the sun in San Diego gave those games grit. Now it feels like a corporate event." He’s not entirely wrong, but the on-field product in 2026 is actually pretty high-level.
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Justin Herbert has been surgical against the Raiders. In the 2025 season opener, he threw for two touchdowns and led a 20–9 grind-out win that silenced the "Death Star" in Vegas.
What You Need to Know for 2026
If you're tracking the schedule this year, keep an eye on the turnover margin. In their most recent December 2025 clash, the Chargers won the turnover battle 3-0. That was the whole game right there.
Geno Smith, who ended up taking snaps for the Raiders, struggled under Jesse Minter’s defensive scheme. Meanwhile, Quentin Johnston has turned into a "Raider Killer," putting up 257 yards across two games in Las Vegas.
The series is closer than people think. While the Raiders had that massive 10-game win streak in the 70s, the Chargers countered with a 13-game streak in the 2000s. It’s a seesaw.
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Essential Action Steps for Fans
If you're planning to follow the next matchup, don't just wing it.
- Check the TV Map: 506 Sports is your best friend. They post the regional maps every Wednesday so you know if your local CBS station is actually showing the game.
- Sync Your Subs: If you're out of market, YouTube TV’s Sunday Ticket is the only legal way to see every snap.
- Watch the Injury Report: Both these teams have a history of "what if" seasons destroyed by the training table.
The rivalry might have moved to the desert and the big city, but the tension is still there. Whether it's a 7-6 defensive slog like the record-breaking punt-fest of '98 or a 63-point explosion, this game always finds a way to be weird.
Keep your streaming apps updated and your local listings pinned. The next chapter of this AFL original story is usually just one bad snap away from becoming another "Holy Roller."
Next Steps:
Check your local CBS affiliate schedule to see if the upcoming divisional round is being broadcast in your region, or log into the NFL+ app for live mobile streaming of local games.