Early line on the Raider game: Chargers by 8.5

[Panama]

The pressure is mounting with each loss. It's like a guy who goes 3 innings with a no-hitter. No big deal. 6 innings, he starts to sweat. 8 innings...the entire stadium is sweating. I'd say the Raiders are somewhere around the 7th-8th inning now, and 0-16 has got to be on their minds a lot.

Yes, but the pressure is usually on the pitcher, not so much on the hitless team.

[Panama]

If anyone thinks the Raiders are playing out the string to go home, I think you're wrong. These guys are professional athletes too and don't like losing more than anyone else. If they come in with Miami's focus, we have a tough game on our hands. Yeah, 8 1/2 points is doable of the Bolts are focused, but will they be focused? I don't know if they have been for the last couple of games.

Nothing focuses a team like being embarrassed 37-0.

[Mister Hoarse]

Nothing focuses a team like being embarrassed 37-0.

You would hope.

[Boltx]

As I said last week. I'll take a 1 point win.

I'm hoping for a blow out...but I'll take just a win of any variety.

I'm trying to imagine what would cause more uproar around here....a loss to the Raiders or just a 1 point win?

[Stinky Wizzleteats+]

Vegas should have a prop bet on that!

[Panama]

I'm trying to imagine what would cause more uproar around here....a loss to the Raiders or just a 1 point win?

I think you know the answer to that.

[MakoShark]

They are desperate and with that said I think our Special Teams better be ready for anything. Fake punts or FG's are not out of the question. Going for it on 4th and short I would almost expect. There is no reason for them to hold back and play conservative.

[thelightningwill]

They are desperate and with that said I think our Special Teams better be ready for anything. Fake punts or FG's are not out of the question. Going for it on 4th and short I would almost expect. There is no reason for them to hold back and play conservative.

Desperate Raiders fans means we need to cover San Diego in a couple giant condoms and bulletproof armor.

[MakoShark]

Desperate Raiders fans means we need to cover San Diego in a couple giant condoms and bulletproof armor.

If you're going to the game this Sunday, best to start your penicillin regiment now! :smile:

[QSmokey]

Yes, but the pressure is usually on the pitcher, not so much on the hitless team.

Of course. But this wasn't meant to be a literal analogy (Chargers = pitchers; Raiders = hitless/winless team); more an example of pressure building as the event (no-hitter, winless season) draws nearer. But Game 15, I suspect the Raiders will be near breaking point...if they don't beat us on Sunday, that is.

[Panama]

Of course. But this wasn't meant to be a literal analogy (Chargers = pitchers; Raiders = hitless/winless team); more an example of pressure building as the event (no-hitter, winless season) draws nearer. But Game 15, I suspect the Raiders will be near breaking point...if they don't beat us on Sunday, that is.

You could argue the opposite, that actually all the pressure is on the Chargers. There's no pressure on the Raiders because their season is done. But the Chargers were a shoe-in for the playoffs at 5-1 and now their season is on the brink. Another loss to a division opponent to prolong a losing streak could send things snowballing out of control. The pressure is all on them to avoid this scenario and stay relevant in the playoff hunt.

Both takes are equally valid and equally worthless. If the Chargers are healthy and execute, the Raiders can do nothing to avoid another loss. If the Chargers continue to make the same mistakes they have during the 3-game slide (penalties, missed blocks/tackles, not being Manning ball lickers, etc.) they could lose, pressure or no pressure.

[Stinky Wizzleteats+]

If you're going to the game this Sunday, best to start your penicillin regiment now! :smile:

Don't forget the rabies vaccinations!!!