Reasons why Raiders could win in Week 1

DJ Chark Jr. is still not practicing as of Wednesday, causing growing concern that he may miss Sunday’s game after being listed as a co-starter on the Chargers’ first unofficial depth chart. The starter at the other wide receiver position, Josh Palmer, has been a productive player for LA in a smaller role, but is now expected to step in as the no. 1 option, at least to begin the season.

If Chark is out, the depth chart says that 2023 first round pick Quentin Johnston, who played deep into the second half of the Chargers’ three preseason games, will start on the outside opposite Palmer. Despite a stronger second half of training camp, it’s still a bit presumptive to trust Johnston as a no. 2 option in Week 1. Ladd McConkey, this year’s second round pick, will be the primary slot receiver but missed time with an injury earlier in training camp and has had limited time to build a rapport with quarterback Justin Herbert.