The Las Vegas Raiders have an opportunity to play spoiler in Week 13 against the Los Angeles Chargers, who are locked in a tight race for an AFC Wild Card spot. While the playoff implications are significant for the Chargers, the focus for the Raiders remains on evaluating key players and their potential for the future.
Darien Porter vs. Quentin Johnston
Despite some frustration over the distribution of playing time, rookie cornerback Darien Porter has seen an increased role in the Raiders’ defense. In Las Vegas’ last four games, he has started three times and played 147 defensive snaps. He has been effective when called upon, allowing just six catches for 74 yards on 11 targets this season, though he has had occasional lapses in coverage.
On Sunday, he will face Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston, who has become a significant weapon in Los Angeles’ offense. While he is the team’s fourth-leading receiver with 502 yards, Johnston serves as the primary deep threat, leading the team with 205 yards and three touchdowns on passes thrown 20 or more yards downfield. He also excels in contested situations, boasting a 53.3 percent success rate. The matchup pits the 6-foot-3 Johnston against the equally tall Porter, whose 4.3 speed will be tested down the sideline.
Jeremy Chinn vs. Oronde Gadsden II
While safety Jeremy Chinn is nearly 28, his performance over the final weeks is crucial for his future with the Raiders. He is on a two-year contract, and the team could generate significant salary cap savings by cutting or trading him this offseason. With his long-term role uncertain, Chinn still has much to prove.
He will face a tough test in rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden II, who has become a key part of the Chargers’ passing game. After being inactive for the first two weeks, Gadsden now ranks third on the team with 37 catches for 507 yards, highlighted by a 164-yard performance in Week 7. In response, Chinn brings solid coverage skills, having yielded only 177 receiving yards all season to earn a strong 71.1 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus. This matchup will be a compelling battle between a rising rookie and a veteran safety playing to secure his future.
Thomas Booker IV vs. Mekhi Becton
The Raiders are seeking more production from the defensive tackle position, where Thomas Booker IV has received ample opportunity. Despite playing in all 11 games and starting nine, Booker’s impact has been limited. He has generated just 14 pressures—only six since Week 3—and has posted a subpar 45.8 run-defense grade from PFF.
Booker has a chance to turn things around against Chargers right guard Mekhi Becton, who has also underperformed. After reviving his career and signing a two-year, $20 million deal in the offseason, Becton has struggled, ranking among the league’s worst guards in both run blocking and pass protection. According to Over The Cap, the Chargers could save $10 million by releasing him this spring. The loser of this head-to-head battle could find themselves looking for a new team in 2026.
