The Chargers will look to avoid a 0-0-2 hole this week as they host the Raiders at SoFi Stadium.
Los Angeles has a chance to bounce back in a big way and finally get a win after an abysmal outing against the Cardinals.
Week 1 often lies, but we'll soon find out whether the Chargers' performance last week was a fluke or a glimpse of what this team could be. For their sake, they'd better hope it was the former.
Either way, Week 2 offers Los Angeles a golden opportunity to put its first win of the season on the board and get back on track.
Here are four bold predictions for the Chargers that could ultimately lead to their first win of 2026.
Justin Herbert throws three touchdown passes
We didn't see Mike McDaniel's transcendent offense in Week 1, but I think we'll see it against the Raiders in Week 2.
Justin Herbert will be the biggest beneficiary. After throwing for only one touchdown in Week 1, I think he'll collect three, all through the air. With or without Ladd McConkey, who is listed as questionable, I think we'll see the McDaniel offense we expected from the start.
The Chargers force two-plus turnovers
I think the defense bounces back in a big way and commits their first handful of turnovers after not collecting any in Week 1.
This team is too talented on defense to not go another week without committing a turnover. On top of that, Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins threw two interceptions against the lowly Dolphins.
A more talented Chargers team should hit that total or even surpass it.
Omarion Hampton scores two touchdowns, goes for 100+ rushing yards
Hampton started Week 1 hot but cooled off significantly after the Chargers' first drive.
The 23-year-old recorded only 43 yards on the ground, and while he scored a touchdown, it was a poor performance.
I think Hampton scores twice, and I think he also runs it down the Raiders' throats. Las Vegas held the Dolphins' De’Von Achane to 36 rushing yards, so it won't be easy for Hampton to do that, but it is doable.
Genesis Smith records his first career interception
Smith, the Week 1 standout, will get some more shine in Week 2 after Elijah Molden was ruled out. I think he will take full advantage of it.
Smith will find himself in a meaningful defensive role in a pivotal AFC West game and make Cousins and the Raiders' offense pay.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: 4 bold predictions for Chargers against Raiders in Week 2
