The San Diego Chargers (5-1, 1-0) snuffed out a 31-28 victory Sunday afternoon against the Oakland Raiders (0-5, 0-1) in Oakland.
Philip Rivers added to his league-high passer rating and completion percentage completing 22 of 34 passes for 336 yards and three touchdowns.
While Rivers played well, the winless Raiders played their best game of the season, and a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Branden Oliver with less than two minutes left was the difference-maker.
Rookie quarterback Derek Carr had the best game of his young career, throwing for four touchdowns and 282 yards. The Chargers did not record a sack for the first time this season and gave up 396 yards to the statistically worst offense in the league.
The Raiders took a 28-21 lead early in the fourth quarter on a 6-yard pass to Andre Holmes, his second touchdown of the day. The Charger’s secondary had a tough game, due in part to Sharece Wright being out, and Brandon Flowers leaving the game with a groin injury.
Nick Novak then delivered a 30-yard field goal to to bring the Chargers within four. Novak had hit what would have been a season-long 55-yard field goal earlier in the game, but it was called back because of a holding penalty.
After a crucial defensive stop, Oliver then carried the Chargers 39 yards, and scored to take the lead. The rookie, getting his first career start, ran for 101 yards on 26 carries, with a touchdown.
Fellow rookie Jason Verrett then sealed the game after intercepting a deep ball from Carr.
The Chargers will now come back home next Sunday, Oct. 19, to face the Kansas City Chiefs (2-3, 0-1).
