The Chargers continue the 2025 regular season at Allegiant Stadium against the Raiders on Monday, Sept. 15, at 7:00 p.m. PT.

To get you prepped for the Week 2 bout, here are five key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the matchup.

New Head Coach and Quarterback

The Raiders made significant moves this offseason by hiring Pete Carroll as their new head coach and trading for quarterback Geno Smith from the Seahawks. The duo previously worked together in Seattle. Carroll, who is the oldest coach in the NFL, was hired after a year in an advisory role with the Seahawks. Smith went 29-25 as Seattle’s starting quarterback. He amassed 12,961 passing yards, 76 passing touchdowns and 36 interceptions.

Smith’s Raiders Debut Began With a Victory

Smith was sharp in his first game as a Raider against the Patriots this past Sunday. He threw for 362 yards and a touchdown, surpassing Dan Pastorini’s previous franchise record for passing yards in a debut. Smith had nine pass plays that went for 20 or more yards, tied for the most in his career.

Las Vegas’ Top Weapon Sustained an Injury in Week 1 but Is Likely to Play

Tight end Brock Bowers, the Raiders’ first-round pick in 2024, had five receptions for 103 yards on eight targets before leaving the Week 1 game in the third quarter with a knee injury. Despite saying he is “fine” and that there are “no concerns moving forward,” Bowers is currently listed as day-to-day. In his rookie season, the former Georgia product totaled 112 receptions, 1,194 receiving yards and five touchdowns.

Ashton Jeanty’s First Game Did Not Go as Many as Thought It Would

Jeanty, the Raiders’ top draft pick this year, gained only 38 yards on 19 carries against New England. While averaging just 2.0 yards per carry, Jeanty did find the end zone on a three-yard carry. Amid the lack of production, Las Vegas’ offensive line struggled, and the former Boise State product faced a stout Patriots defensive line.

Defense Dominated

The Raiders’ defense was integral in defeating the Patriots, especially in the second half, where they only allowed a field goal with only 22 seconds left in regulation. The run defense was stout, holding New England to 60 rushing yards. The pass rush, led by defensive end Maxx Crosby, racked up 27 quarterback pressures and four sacks.

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This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers vs. Raiders: 5 key things to know about Los Angeles’ Week 2 opponent
Reporting by Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire / Chargers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect