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Oakland Raiders: 5 Key matchups vs. Chargers in Week 6

By Nick Sparrow

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 18: Bruce Irvin #51 of the Oakland Raiders reacts to sacking Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers late in the fourth quarter en route to the Raiders 19-16 win over Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 18, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 18: Bruce Irvin #51 of the Oakland Raiders reacts to sacking Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers late in the fourth quarter en route to the Raiders 19-16 win over Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 18, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images) /
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The Oakland Raiders will play host to division rival Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Here are five matchups that could decide the outcome of the game.

The Oakland Raiders will host the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday in an AFC West matchup between the two teams at the bottom. The Raiders are now on a three-game losing streak after starting the season 2-0 following their 30-17 loss to the Ravens on Sunday.

As for the Chargers, they are coming off of their first win of the season, a fourth-quarter comeback over the New York Giants.

Both of these teams find themselves in a hole with the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs and one-loss Denver Broncos at the top of the division. This is a vital division game as both teams are looking to get their seasons on track, and here are five matchups that could decide the game.

Tyrell Adams vs. Melvin Gordon

The Raiders suffered a major setback when they lost starting middle linebacker Marquel Lee on Sunday to a leg injury. The Raiders have not said what the injury is or the extent of time Lee is expected to miss, but it looked serious enough on Sunday that I would be surprised if he plays this week.

Oakland selected Lee in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft and he impressed enough in the preseason to earn a starting role. With Lee missing time, the team will turn to former practice squad-player Tyrell Adams. Adams did not play a snap in his six games with Oakland last season, but has had a larger role this season.

Adams is going to have an important role in Week 5 as he attempts to sure-up the middle of the field. If Adams struggles, expect running back Melvin Gordon to bust huge runs down the middle of the Raiders defense.

Gordon is an extreme talent who is averaging 85.6 yards from scrimmage per game, including a Week 5 performance when he recorded 105 rushing yards, 58 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Gordon had a great mix of speed and power and could prove a difficult test for Adams as he prepares for his first NFL start.

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