Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders: A legacy of silver and black, from the AFL to NFL champions.
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.
- 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
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).
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
The Raiders' first era in Oakland (1960–1981) began with early struggles, including a 6–8 record in 1960 and a 1–13 record in 1962. After hiring Al Davis as head coach and general manager in 1963, the team improved to 10–4. The Raiders won the AFL Championship in 1967, defeating the Houston Oilers 40–7, but lost Super Bowl II to the Green Bay Packers 33–14. Under head coach John Madden, who took over in 1969, the Raiders became one of the most successful NFL franchises.
Did You Know?
- The Raiders were originally named the Oakland Señors for nine days in April 1960 before changing to the Raiders.
- The team's first regular season home game was played at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco on September 11, 1960.
- Al Davis changed the team colors to silver and black and implemented the 'vertical game' offense after becoming head coach in 1963.
- The Raiders won Super Bowl XI in 1976 and Super Bowl XV in 1980.
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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