Despite a competitive first half of action, the Las Vegas Raiders fell to the Los Angeles Chargers, 34-20, in the final game of the 2024 season.
A 40-yard field goal made by Daniel Carlson put the Raiders on the scoreboard first as the offense capitalized off good field position following Cameron Dicker’s missed 51-yard field goal attempt. Three receptions for 35 yards from Jakobi Meyers on that drive placed them in scoring territory for the field goal.
On the following drive, Justin Herbert rang up rookie Ladd McConkey for a 47-yard catch-and-run. While the Chargers offense was able to get in the red zone, the Raiders defense stood tall, forcing a 33-yard field goal to tie the game at three heading into the second quarter.
The Silver and Black wasted no time retaking the lead, with their top receiver continuing to lead the way. Aidan O’Connell connected with Meyers for another two receptions for 47 yards, capped off with Meyers wide open for a 25-yard touchdown that gave the Raiders a 10-3 lead.
The Chargers nearly tied the game once again, however, a holding penalty on Trey Pipkins negated a 13-yard touchdown pass from Justin Herbert to Derius Davis. Two field goals made from 32 and 49 yards from Dicker brought the Chargers within one point with 1:05 remaining in the first half.
Attempting to drive down the field, O’Connell was intercepted by Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley on a pass intended for Alexander Mattison. Four plays later, Herbert found DJ Chark in the end zone and a successful two-point conversion to McConkey gave the Chargers a 17-10 lead and momentum going into halftime.
