Chargers vs Raiders 2025 Highlights: Who Took the Win?

Very few rivalries in the NFL exemplify the drama, intensity, and pure entertainment that the Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders game delivers on a yearly basis. Each season, fans pencil in this game on their calendar not only for its AFC West implications but also due to the history and rancor of these two franchises.

The 2025 matchup did not disappoint and perhaps created a new standard for the rivalry. The game had it all—from electric offensive plays and defensive plays, to clutch plays when it mattered, as well as a coaching chess match, the game kept fans engaged until the last whistle.

In this deep-dive breakdown, we are going to look further than the score line. We will revisit the score, scoring summary, individual player performances, key moments, tactical differences, highlights, and what this game means for both teams moving forward.

Final Score

The Chargers edged out the Raiders 41-34, sealing a win in what turned into a high-scoring shootout.

Game Highlights

Fast Start for Both Teams

The Chargers began their first drive by scoring a touchdown in quick fashion with quarterback Justin Herbert connecting for a 35-yard touchdown pass to Keenan Allen.

The Raiders were not to be outdone and marched down the field with Josh Jacobs ripping off a long run, which allowed Davante Adams to catch a TD pass.

Back-and-Forth Second Quarter 

Initially, the Raiders took their first lead of the game, as linebacker Maxx Crosby managed to strip sack Justin Herbert and create a touchdown. 

However, Herbert constructed a solid two-minute drive, throwing a touchdown pass to rookie WR Jalen McMillan just before halftime.

Momentum Shifts in the Third Quarter 

Raiders' rookie QB Aidan O'Connell (or the starting QB if a roster change was made after kick-off) proved he could maintain composure while throwing another deep touchdown pass to Adams.  

Late in the third quarter, the Chargers' defense managed to hold strong as Derwin James intercepted a pass to help turn the momentum back in Los Angeles' favor.

Fourth Quarter Drama   

Chargers running back Austin Ekeler punched in a go-ahead touchdown with approximately 5 minutes left in the game. 

Raiders QB O'Connell attempted to execute a game-winning drive, but the Raiders' offense stalled out at midfield on 4th down after driving to the 50-yard line with about 2 minutes left in the fourth quarter of the game. 

The Chargers were able to secure the victory by kicking a field goal to widen the lead from 3 points to 6 points.

Key Player Stats

Turning Points

Herbert's Prehalftime Drive

Just when it looked like the momentum was shifting to the Raiders, Herbert's two-minute drill touchdown switched the momentum back to the Chargers.

Derwin James' Interception

The Raiders were driving in the third quarter, but a timely interception by James led to a Chargers touchdown.

Ekeler's Late Touchdown

The Raiders had tied it up but Ekeler's hard-nosed run with five minutes left gave the Chargers a lead they would not give up.

Tactical Breakdown & Analysis

Chargers' Offensive Attacks
The Chargers put Herbert's arm on display while mixing in Ekeler to keep the Raiders' defense honest. The mix of run and pass (60% = pass, 40% = run) worked well against the incredibly aggressive front seven of Las Vegas.

Raiders' Offense Centers to Adams & Jacobs
Although Davante Adams and Josh Jacobs both had great games, the raiders' offense was too predictable at times, which led the Chargers' defense to adjust in key moments of the game.

Coaching Battle
Brandon Staley continued to be aggressive in play-calling with, at least, two 4th-down conversions that kept drives going. While Antonio Pierce's decision to punt in the late 3rd quarter was scrutinized, especially in a shootout match-up.

Defensive Measures
Both secondaries had a long night. The chargers' corners were burnt multiple times by Adams and the Raiders struggled to stop Allen and McMillan.

What This Game Means

For the Chargers: A statement victory keeping them afloat in the AFC West race. Herbert's connection to not only some of his old faithful veterans but also his younger receivers looked sharp. 

For the Raiders: Despite the loss there are positives: O'Connell (or whoever starts) showed poise, Jacobs ran hard and Adams is still dominant. However, the defensive adjustments must be made.

Full Game Stats (Team Comparison)

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Injury Updates

Khalil Mack (Chargers): Sidelined due to elbow injury mid-game. Team will monitor closely.

Brock Bowers (Raiders): Played despite knee issues but wasn’t at 100%.

Postgame Analysis

It was not solely a victory, but a declaration of the Chargers. They confirmed they can come out on fire, get a lead, and finish.

For the Raiders, it raised broader concerns:

Is Geno Smith really the long-term quarterback?

Why does the defensecontinuously give up big plays?

What can be done to fix the red-zone problems?