Oakland Raiders
A six-decade battle spanning two leagues, five moves, and one lone playoff meeting where the Raiders lead 69–62–2.
The rivalry between the Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders is a National Football League matchup defined by geographic tension and five combined team moves. Both franchises debuted as charter members of the American Football League in 1960, establishing themselves in the AFL Western Conference as the Oakland Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers. For decades, this contest embodied the cultural divide between Northern and Southern California. Although the teams have relocated multiple times, including a period where they were only 130 miles apart in Los Angeles from 1982 to 1994, the competition remains fierce. The Raiders currently hold the edge in the all-time series with a record of 69–62–2 and won the teams' sole playoff meeting.
- All-Time Record
- 69–62–2 (Raiders lead)
- Playoff Meetings
- 1
- AFL Founding Year
- 1960
- Chargers Winning Streak
- 13 games (2003–2009)
- Highest Scoring Game Points Allowed by C
- 63 (2023)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The roots of this feud stretch back to 1960 when both teams entered the AFL. Al Davis began his legacy as an assistant coach for the Chargers before becoming Oakland's head coach in 1963, eventually leading the Raiders to a competitive edge from the late 1960s through the 1990s with three Super Bowl wins. A defining cultural element was the geographic split: the Raiders represented Oakland (1960–1981, 1995–2019) while the Chargers represented San Diego (1961–2016) and Los Angeles (1960, since 2017). The rivalry intensified during the Raiders' 13 seasons in Los Angeles (1982–1994), where their strong following impeded the Chargers' ability to establish a fanbase in the city. Even after the Raiders moved to Las Vegas, the in-state rivalry persists, with Las Vegas now closer to Los Angeles by 350 miles than Oakland was to San Diego.
In Their Own Story
History offers specific turning points that define this series. In 1978, a controversial "Holy Roller" fumblerooski play in San Diego helped the Raiders win and cost the Chargers a playoff spot, prompting an NFL rule change. Two years later, they met in the 1980 AFC Championship, where Jim Plunkett outdueled Dan Fouts in a 34–27 shootout, leading to Super Bowl XV. The series also saw one of its ugliest games in 1998, where both teams benched starting quarterbacks; Raiders backup Wade Wilson threw his only completion for a 68-yard touchdown as Oakland won 7–6, setting an NFL record for most punts. Conversely, the Chargers dominated from 2003 to 2009 with a 13-game winning streak until Jason Campbell and two blocked punts helped the Raiders win 35–27 in 2010. More recently, a 63–21 Raiders victory on Thursday Night Football in 2023 set franchise records for most points scored and allowed, leading to the firing of Chargers coach Brandon Staley.
Reader's Guide
Fans should note that while the teams are now in different states, their history is filled with dramatic finishes. The 2013 season opener featured the latest kickoff time in NFL history at 8:35 p.m. Pacific Time due to an Oakland Athletics game. The most recent chapter involves the 2021 Week 18 showdown for a wild card spot. Trailing 29–14, Justin Herbert led a comeback to tie the game in regulation after converting four fourth downs. In overtime, both teams kicked field goals before the Raiders drove back to win on a final-second kick. Chargers coach Brandon Staley had called a timeout intending to force a run play to deepen the field for a later attempt, but the Raiders capitalized on the drive. Herbert later admitted, "I had never been rooting for a tie more in my life." The game eliminated the Chargers and allowed the Pittsburgh Steelers to clinch the final playoff spot.
Did You Know?
- The Raiders and Chargers have combined five moves, with the teams once being only 130 miles apart during the Raiders' 1982–1994 Los Angeles tenure.
- A 1978 game featuring the "Holy Roller" play sparked an NFL rule change, though the Chargers did not make the playoffs that season.
- In 1998, both teams benched their starting quarterbacks in a 7–6 game that featured a high number of punts but did not set an NFL record.
- During the 2021 Week 18 game, Justin Herbert converted four fourth downs to force overtime before the Raiders won on a final-second field goal.
- The first matchup of the 2013 season holds the record for the latest kickoff time in NFL history at 8:35 p.m. Pacific Time.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Chargers and Raiders rivalry begin?
Both teams debuted as charter members of the American Football League in 1960, establishing themselves in the AFL Western Conference. This six-decade battle spans two leagues and includes five combined team relocations throughout their history.
Who leads the all-time series between these franchises?
The Raiders currently hold the advantage with an all-time record of 69 wins to the Chargers' 62, including two ties. Despite this lead, Los Angeles once dominated with a 13-game winning streak from 2003 to 2009.
How many times have they met in the postseason?
Surprisingly for such a historic feud, the teams have only met once during playoff contention. This single meeting stands out as a rare occurrence given their decades of regular season competition.
Did the teams ever play each other while both were in Los Angeles?
Yes, from 1982 to 1994, both franchises called Los Angeles home and competed within just 130 miles of one another. This period intensified the geographic tension that defines their rivalry across Northern and Southern California.
What is the most high-scoring game in this rivalry's history?
The Chargers allowed a staggering 63 points during a matchup in 2023, marking one of the highest scoring outputs ever seen between these two teams. This game highlights the offensive volatility that often characterizes their matchups.
More in Great Rivalries & Feuds
Related in Los Angeles Chargers
Links follow this subject's own source article.