Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders: A legacy of silver and black, from the AFL to the NFL.
The Oakland Raiders were a professional American football team of the National Football League (NFL). The Raiders played in Oakland, California, from its founding in 1960 to 1981, and again from 1995 to 2019 before moving to the Las Vegas metropolitan area where they now play as the Las Vegas Raiders. Between 1982 and 1994, the team played in Los Angeles, California as the Los Angeles Raiders.
Quick Facts
- Playoff meetings
- 1
Lore & Background
Founded on January 30, 1960, the Oakland Raiders played their first regular season game on September 11, 1960, as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL). They moved to the NFL with the AFL–NFL merger in 1970. They played their last game as a California–based franchise on December 29, 2019. The Raiders played their home games at various venues in the San Francisco Bay Area before moving into Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, their home stadium from 1966 to 1981, and later 1995 to 2019. During their tenure in Oakland, the Raiders won 12 Division titles (three AFL West, nine AFC West); four AFL / AFC championships: 1967, 1976, 1980, and 2002; and two Super Bowl championships: 1976 (XI) and 1980 (XV).
Reader's Guide
The Raiders were awarded the eighth AFL franchise on January 30, 1960, after Los Angeles Chargers owner Barron Hilton threatened to forfeit his franchise unless a second team was placed on the West Coast. The team was originally named the Oakland Señors on April 4, 1960, but changed to the Oakland Raiders nine days later. Their first regular season home game was on September 11, 1960, at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco. In 1963, Al Davis was hired as head coach and general manager; at 33, he was the youngest person to hold the position of head coach in professional football. Under Davis, the team improved to 10–4 in 1963. The Raiders won the 1967 AFL Championship, defeating the Houston Oilers 40–7, and advanced to Super Bowl II, where they lost 33–14 to the Green Bay Packers.
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.
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