Raiders vs Chargers: Las Vegas Ends a Four-Game Skid
Raiders vs Chargers opened the AFC West season with a big statement. Las Vegas beat Los Angeles 26-14 and snapped a four-game losing streak against the Chargers. Kirk Cousins threw three touchdown passes, and the Raiders improved to 2-0.
Here is a full recap of the game.
Why Raiders vs Chargers Mattered
This was a division game, so it counts twice in the standings. Las Vegas is now 2-0, while the Chargers fell to 0-2. Additionally, the Raiders won on the road against the Chargers for the first time since 2020.
The loss also stings for Los Angeles. Jim Harbaugh is now 0-2 for the first time in his college or pro coaching career.
Key Moments in Raiders vs Chargers
Tucker Opens the Scoring
The first half stayed quiet until the second quarter. Cousins then hit Tre Tucker on a 40-yard touchdown. The play came against busted Chargers coverage. Later, Matt Gay drilled a 59-yard field goal before halftime, giving Las Vegas a 10-7 lead.
Chargers Take the Lead
Los Angeles answered in the third quarter. Justin Herbert found Oronde Gadsden for a 10-yard touchdown to make it 14-10. However, the lead did not last long.
Cody White Takes Over
White caught a 13-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter and an 11-yard score in the fourth. It was his first career game with two touchdown catches. Furthermore, the Raiders had promoted him from the practice squad only a day earlier.
Bold Coaching and a Costly Fumble
Head coach Klint Kubiak went for it on fourth-and-1 from his own 35-yard line. The Raiders converted and later took the lead. Then Omarion Hampton fumbled, and Jeremy Chinn returned the recovery 43 yards. A late safety on an offensive holding penalty sealed the win.
Raiders vs Chargers by the Numbers
- Total yards: Chargers 310, Raiders 305.
- Passing: Cousins finished 19 of 29 for 253 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. The Chargers went 15 of 27 for 192 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
- Rushing: Chargers 127 yards. Raiders 57 yards.
- Turnovers: Chargers 3. Raiders 1.
- Sacks: Raiders 3. Chargers 2.
- Penalties: Chargers 8 for 45 yards. Raiders 6 for 42 yards.
Los Angeles won the yardage battle and held the ball longer. Nevertheless, three turnovers cost them the game.
What It Means for the AFC West
The Raiders now hold a strong early edge. The Chargers face a hole that will be hard to escape. As a result, every division game in the coming weeks will feel like a must-win for Los Angeles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Judging a team on yards alone, since turnovers decided this game.
- Overreacting to a single week in a 17-game season.
- Ignoring the role of the Raiders’ pass rush and forced fumbles.
- Forgetting that division wins carry extra weight.
What’s Next
The Chargers visit the Bills on Sunday, September 27, at 1:00 PM ET. Check the official NFL schedule for the Raiders’ next game.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who won the game?
The Las Vegas Raiders beat the Los Angeles Chargers 26-14 at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
3. How did the scoring break down by quarter?
Neither team scored in the first quarter. Las Vegas led 10-7 after the second, 17-14 after the third and finished 26-14.
Conclusion: Raiders vs Chargers Sets the AFC West Tone
Raiders vs Chargers showed the value of clean football. Las Vegas made the big plays, won the turnover battle and left with a division win. Bookmark this page for weekly NFL recaps, and tell us in the comments who impressed you most.
