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Chargers and Raiders heading in different directions as teams meet in regular-season finale

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Chargers and Raiders heading in different directions as teams meet in regular-season finale
Sport

Sport

Chargers and Raiders heading in different directions as teams meet in regular-season finale

2025-01-03 07:50 Last Updated At:08:11

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Chargers and Raiders each enter Sunday's meeting coming off back-to-back victories that affect each other's futures in remarkably different ways.

For the Chargers, those wins helped their playoff positioning. For the Raiders, the victories hurt their draft prospects while providing temporary good feelings mixed with thoughts of what could've been.

So once the regular-season finale ends, Los Angeles (10-6) will continue to have something to play for this month while Las Vegas (4-12) will begin to make some serious decisions about its future.

“We’re doing everything we can to win this game,” Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert said. “We can’t let anything pull away from our level of preparation. The Raiders are a lot better than their record indicates.”

The Raiders likely feel the same way, but a 10-game losing streak not only took them out of any early playoff talk but instead created conversation regarding how high they could draft in search of a franchise quarterback.

Except the players and coaches wanted no part of that discussion, saying they were all about winning. That was proven true the past two weeks, perhaps creating some regret about why Las Vegas didn't have more success sooner.

“I’m just trying to stay present," coach Antonio Pierce said. "Can’t live in the past. Can’t worry about the future.”

His future is far from certain. Owner Mark Davis could elect to make a change next week, and he likely will receive input from general manager Tom Telesco.

This is Telesco's first year as GM after he was fired after 11 seasons with the Chargers. His final game there was the Raiders' 63-21 embarrassment of LA.

Not only did the Chargers oust Telesco, they let coach Brandon Staley go, paving the way to hire Jim Harbaugh. Now Harbaugh has the Chargers one game away from appearing in the postseason.

There is still some uncertainty about seeding and opponent heading into the weekend, but it's a far better situation than the Chargers found themselves in a year ago at this time. Harbaugh stressed the importance of beating the Raiders and creating the best possible path in the playoffs.

“That’s where things stand for us,” Harbaugh said. “The plan for us is to win. That’s been the mindset from the beginning.”

The Chargers come into the game after a six-quarter stretch that was their best of the season.

Los Angeles has scored 61 points since halftime of its win over Denver, which includes four touchdown passes by Herbert.

Running back J.K. Dobbins returned last week after missing four games with a knee injury and had 76 yards. Dobbins rushed for a season-high 135 yards in the first meeting against the Raiders.

“It’s always good to keep developing and getting better. There are still some things to clean up and things to correct but as long as we’re moving in the right direction I think that’s what’s best for us right now,” Herbert said.

This game is the last chance for Aidan O'Connell to show he should be the Raiders' starting quarterback going into next season.

Las Vegas' two recent victories made it considerably more difficult to draft Colorado's Shedeur Sanders or Miami's Cam Ward, although the Raiders could try to trade up.

They also could be aggressive in free agency.

This is nothing new for O'Connell. He went from a walk-on to a record-setting two-year starter at Purdue. Then with the Raiders, he won the job midway through his rookie season, lost it in preseason this year and then got it back. O'Connell also dealt with two significant injuries this season.

“I think he’s been resilient, obviously go back to the quarterback competition in the spring and training camp,” Pierce said. “Thought he handled it like a pro. He was always ready to go.”

The Chargers come into the game light at safety after Elijah Molden broke his fibula during the second half of last Saturday’s game.

Alohi Gilman has resumed practicing after missing five games with a hamstring injury, but it remains to be seen if he will get activated off injured reserve.

Tony Jefferson is expected to start if Gilman is unable to go.

The Raiders lost about half their defense to injuries this season, including end Maxx Crosby and tackle Christian Wilkins.

Yet the defense has played better as the season has progressed.

Over the past five weeks, the Raiders were fourth in the NFL is scoring defense (17.2 points per game), eighth in average yardage allowed (317.4) and tied for fourth in total sacks (17).

But defensive coordinator Patrick Graham said he would “be miserable” once the season ends and the Raiders again aren't in the playoffs.

“We haven't won,” Graham said. “That's how I judge it.”

AP Sports Writer Joe Reedy in El Segundo, California, contributed to this report.

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

69Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce reacts on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

69Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce reacts on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) scrambles up field during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) scrambles up field during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh listens to a reporter's question during a news conference following an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh listens to a reporter's question during a news conference following an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Next Article

US beats Czechia 4-1 to set up world junior hockey final against Finland

2025-01-05 12:30 Last Updated At:12:41

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Boston University's Cole Eiserman broke a second-period tie and the defending champion United States beat Czechia 4-1 on Saturday night to advance to the world junior hockey championship game.

The Americans will face Finland — a 4-3 overtime winner over Sweden in the first semifinal — for the title Sunday night. Finland beat the United States 4-3 in overtime in group play.

Eiserman made it 2-1 with 6:19 left in the second with a one-timer off a cross-ice feed.

“I’m proud of our guys,” said coach David Darle of Denver. “We played an excellent Czech team and it was a very difficult game. We continue to grow as a group and we’ll get set to face another great team in Finland tomorrow."

Boston College teammates Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault each had a goal and an assist for the Americans. Minnesota's Oliver Moore also scored, and Michigan State's Trey Augustine made 26 saves.

The Americans are seeking their seventh title and first back-to-back championships.

“It would mean everything,” said Perreault, who also played last season. “We definitely have the team to do it. We’ll be ready to go.”

Jakub Stancl scored for the Czechs. Michael Hrabal stopped 21 shots.

In the first semifinal, Benjamin Rautiainen scored on a power play at 9:22 of overtime to lift Finland past Sweden.

Rautiainen beat goalie Melker Thelin from a sharp angle to the right of the net on a 4-on-3 man advantage with Tom Willander in the penalty box for holding.

“Very skillful guy at doing things like that,” Finnish coach Lauri Mikkola said about Rautiainen. “Nobody expected when he shoots.”

Petteri Rimpinen made 43 saves for Finland. Emil Hemming had a goal and an assist and Jesse Kiiskinen and Arttu Alasiurua also scored.

Otto Stenberg scored twice for Sweden. Wilhelm Hallquisth also scored and Thelin stopped 31 shots.

AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports

United States forward Max Plante (22) celebrates with teammate Trey Augustine (1) after they defeated Czechia in World Junior hockey championship semifinal game action in Ottawa, Ontario, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP)

United States forward Max Plante (22) celebrates with teammate Trey Augustine (1) after they defeated Czechia in World Junior hockey championship semifinal game action in Ottawa, Ontario, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP)

Czechia defenseman Jakub Fibigr (7) is hit by United States forward Trevor Connelly (19) during third-period World Junior hockey championship semifinal game action in Ottawa, Ontario, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP)

Czechia defenseman Jakub Fibigr (7) is hit by United States forward Trevor Connelly (19) during third-period World Junior hockey championship semifinal game action in Ottawa, Ontario, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP)

United States forward Ryan Leonard (9) celebrates after his goal with teammates Gabe Perreault (34) and James Hagens (12) during third-period World Junior hockey championship semifinal game action against Czechia in Ottawa, Ontario, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP)

United States forward Ryan Leonard (9) celebrates after his goal with teammates Gabe Perreault (34) and James Hagens (12) during third-period World Junior hockey championship semifinal game action against Czechia in Ottawa, Ontario, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP)

United States defenseman Drew Fortescue (5) checks Czechia forward Jakub Stancl (21) during second-period World Junior hockey championship semifinal game action in Ottawa, Ontario, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP)

United States defenseman Drew Fortescue (5) checks Czechia forward Jakub Stancl (21) during second-period World Junior hockey championship semifinal game action in Ottawa, Ontario, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP)

United States defenseman Zeev Buium (28) shoves Czechia forward Adam Novotny, left, during second-period World Junior hockey championship semifinal game action in Ottawa, Ontario, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP)

United States defenseman Zeev Buium (28) shoves Czechia forward Adam Novotny, left, during second-period World Junior hockey championship semifinal game action in Ottawa, Ontario, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP)

United States forward Ryan Leonard (9) celebrates after his goal against Czechia during third-period World Junior hockey championship semifinal game action in Ottawa, Ontario, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP)

United States forward Ryan Leonard (9) celebrates after his goal against Czechia during third-period World Junior hockey championship semifinal game action in Ottawa, Ontario, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP)

Sweden forward Otto Stenberg (25) scores on Finland goaltender Petteri Rimpinen (30) during second period semifinal IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship tournament action on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in Ottawa. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

Sweden forward Otto Stenberg (25) scores on Finland goaltender Petteri Rimpinen (30) during second period semifinal IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship tournament action on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in Ottawa. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

Finland forward Tuomas Uronen (15) tries to tip a shot past Sweden goaltender Melker Thelin (35) during the second period of a semifinal game at the world junior hockey championship, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

Finland forward Tuomas Uronen (15) tries to tip a shot past Sweden goaltender Melker Thelin (35) during the second period of a semifinal game at the world junior hockey championship, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

Finland forward Arttu Alasiurua (29) celebrates his goal against Sweden with teammates Emil Hemming (32), Daniel Nieminen (7) and Tuomas Uronen (15) during the second period of a semifinal game at the world junior hockey championship, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

Finland forward Arttu Alasiurua (29) celebrates his goal against Sweden with teammates Emil Hemming (32), Daniel Nieminen (7) and Tuomas Uronen (15) during the second period of a semifinal game at the world junior hockey championship, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

Finland goaltender Petteri Rimpinen looks on as Sweden forward Linus Eriksson flies through the air after clipping the net during the first period of a semifinal game at the world junior hockey championship, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

Finland goaltender Petteri Rimpinen looks on as Sweden forward Linus Eriksson flies through the air after clipping the net during the first period of a semifinal game at the world junior hockey championship, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

Finland forward Jesse Kiiskinen (38) scores on Sweden goaltender Melker Thelin (35) during the second period of a semifinal game at the world junior hockey championship, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

Finland forward Jesse Kiiskinen (38) scores on Sweden goaltender Melker Thelin (35) during the second period of a semifinal game at the world junior hockey championship, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

Sweden forward David Edstrom (15) and teammates Axel Hurtig (6) and Axel Sandin Pellikka react after losing in overtime against Finland in semifinal game at the world junior hockey championship, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

Sweden forward David Edstrom (15) and teammates Axel Hurtig (6) and Axel Sandin Pellikka react after losing in overtime against Finland in semifinal game at the world junior hockey championship, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

Sweden defenseman Axel Sandin Pellikka(4) hugs goaltender Melker Thelin after losing in overtime against Finland in a semifinal game at the world junior hockey championship, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

Sweden defenseman Axel Sandin Pellikka(4) hugs goaltender Melker Thelin after losing in overtime against Finland in a semifinal game at the world junior hockey championship, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

Finland forward Konsta Helenius (19) hugs Benjamin Rautiainen (37) after Rautiainen scored the game winning goal in overtime against Sweden in a semifinal game at the world junior hockey championship, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

Finland forward Konsta Helenius (19) hugs Benjamin Rautiainen (37) after Rautiainen scored the game winning goal in overtime against Sweden in a semifinal game at the world junior hockey championship, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

Finland players pile on teammate Benjamin Rautiainen (37) after he scored the winning goal in overtime against Sweden in semifinal game at the world junior hockey championship, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

Finland players pile on teammate Benjamin Rautiainen (37) after he scored the winning goal in overtime against Sweden in semifinal game at the world junior hockey championship, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

Finland's Benjamin Rautiainen (37) celebrates with teammates Rasmus Kumpulainen (18), Kasper Halttunen (22) and Konsta Helenius after scoring the game winning goal in overtime against Sweden in a semifinal game at the world junior hockey championship, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

Finland's Benjamin Rautiainen (37) celebrates with teammates Rasmus Kumpulainen (18), Kasper Halttunen (22) and Konsta Helenius after scoring the game winning goal in overtime against Sweden in a semifinal game at the world junior hockey championship, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

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