RAIDERS VS. CHARGERS

1:05 p.m., Sunday, Qualcomm Stadium

TV: CBS (Andrew Catalon, Steve Tasker, Steve Beuerlein)

Radio: 95.7 (Greg Papa, Tom Flores, Lincoln Kennedy); 98.9 (Spanish)

LINE

Chargers by 4

MATCHUP TO WATCH

The Raiders secondary against Chargers’ quarterback Philip Rivers. San Diego leads the NFL both in total offense and passing, where Rivers is on a record pace to throw for well over 5,000 yards. Oakland is 31st in the league against the pass, better than only the 49ers. Rivers can make a living with getting the ball out quick, an issue for a Raiders defense that struggles to provide blanket coverage against receivers. The Raiders were finally stout against the tight end in their last game, holding Denver’s Owen Daniels without a catch. But Antonio Gates provides a stiffer challenge and he’s got a talented sidekick in fellow tight end Ladarius Green (22 catches, 259 yards, three touchdowns).

STATS TO LIVE BY

The Chargers are last in the AFC in yards per play and rushing yards per attempt, despite possessing the conference’s No. 5 overall defense. Teams are averaging 132.5 yards on the ground per game, but just 221.8 in the air. The Raiders are allowing the third-fewest rushing yards per game in the NFL at just 83.2 yards and rank fourth in the league by allowing 3.6 yards per carry. Their 299.2 passing yards allowed per game somewhat negates that however. Raiders’ opponents are a perfect 5 for 5 on fourth-down conversion attempts.

REIGNING IN RIVERS

Rivers has a 14-4 career record against the Raiders. He won his first eight career meetings and has won six of the last seven. While he enters this game on that record passing pace, the Chargers are just 2-4 and as desperate for a win as the Raiders. Like the Raiders, all but one of San Diego’s game have been decided by less than a touchdown. Rivers is 33-37 career in games decided by seven or fewer points.

WOODSON KEEPS PICKING

Raiders’ 39-year-old safety Charles Woodson continues to wow. His two interceptions Oct. 11 vs. Denver gave him a pick in three straight games and he’s tied for the NFL lead with four. He needs one more to move into a tie for fifth place on the all-time list with Ken Riley. That would also place him behind only Raiders assistant defensive backs coach Rod Woodson (71) for the most since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger.

THE WEATHER FACTOR

It’s looking like a warm afternoon in the Mission Valley, with game-time forecast calling for 86 degrees and temperatures staying in the 80s through the 5 p.m. hour.

FANTASY IMPLICATIONS

Philip Rivers is an obvious choice no matter who the Chargers are playing, but a matchup with the NFL’s 31st ranked passing defense should put him in great shape for another big game. Raiders RB Latavius Murray is closer to full strength after the bye week and a porous San Diego run defense should give him a shot at a big day.