Darnell's NFL Week 15 Thursday Night Breakdown

Los Angeles Chargers (+3.5) @ Las Vegas Raiders (53)

Justin Herbert will take his Rookie of the Year campaign to his division rivals in Las Vegas. Two teams that have relocated recently will square off in a division battle that will have no bearing on the division winner. Josh Jacobs remains questionable for week 15. If he misses, Devontae booker will take on the lead role again. Booker is the 36th ranked running back accordingly to Pro Football Focus, so it is a drop off from Jacobs' 17th ranking. Running back talent matters more when you have a poor offensive line. Henry Ruggs III is on the Covid-19 reserve list, so his status for this game is in jeopardy. This could spell trouble for the Raider's offense.  Although Ruggs is the 118th ranked receiver, his deep threat ability opens the field up for Darren Waller. Waller is the Raiders best pass catcher in my opinion and having him restricted due to lack of field spacing could be an issue. The Raiders rank bottom five in run blocking, so this drop off means more than it would for other teams. Some of the Chargers' top offensive weapons are listed as questionable. Keenan Allen is a top ten wide receiver and his presence is needed all over the field for the Chargers to have their best chance at success moving the ball. The Los Angeles Chargers will not make the playoffs, but the Raiders will be fighting down the stretch for a wild card berth. After dropping a shootout to the Indianapolis Colts, the Raiders will need to right the ship immediately to keep their hopes alive.