Things tend to not go like they should when these two teams meet, but there a still some strong fantasy plays in this game.
Bruce Gradkowski: The Raiders offense is actually getting to a point where the QB merits consideration. Gradkowski has a sore A/C joint, but it shouldn’t limit him in this game. The Chargers secondary might, however. The Chargers are in the top five in virtually every defensive passing category.
Prognosis: Bench
Michael Bush: Given the Raiders injury issues, Michael Bush should get plenty of touches. The Raiders offensive line has done a good job in the run game this season. The Chargers are giving up more yards on the ground than they are scores, but the Raiders like to hand the ball to Bush when they are close.
Prognosis: Start
Zach Miller: Miller will be a key factor in the Raiders passing game and especially in the redzone. Miller is always going to be a key factor in the Raiders passing game.
Prognosis: Start
Louis Murphy: Murphy is coming off of a dismal performance and a brutal game ending drop. His banged up collarbone is said to be feeling better this week, but could be limited by the Chargers secondary and their pass rush.
Prognosis: Bench
Raiders D: Until they improve at stopping the run and holding people in the redzone...
Prognosis: Bench
Philip Rivers: Rivers will likely be limited by his own running game this week. The Raiders pass D. The Raiders are 3rd in passing yards allowed and 10th in yards allowed per attempt. They have been giving up passing TDs and are 25th in this category. Still, the weakness of the Raiders D is defending the run—look for the Chargers to rely more on the running game.
Prognosis: Bench—unless you are very QB thin
Ryan Mathews/Mike Tolbert: With Ryan Mathews listed as probable, the Chargers will likely go with a platoon in the backfield. While they are set up to have success on the ground, they will be sharing that success.
Prognosis: Bench
Antonio Gates: The Raiders have some capable defenders for Gates and have even put all world DB, Nnamdi Asomugha on him. Still, never do anything with Gates but…
Prognosis: Start
Chargers WR: Rivers is making up for a lack of #1 WR by spreading the ball around. This makes any Charger WR a wild card.
Prognosis: Bench
San Diego D: They are coming off of a 9 sack performance and are going against an offense line that can't pass block, a RB that just got a cast off of the hand he carries the ball with and WRs that have a tendency to volley the ball to defenders.
Prognosis: Start