Give the young Raiders major credit for dealing Philip Rivers and the Chargers a 26-24 loss Thursday night in Oakland.
The Raiders showed flaws but were fun to watch — despite too many penalties — and dominated two late possessions to grab control.
A dangerous Raiders team is good for the NFL and a change for Rivers, who’d gone 18-8 against the AFC West rival with four consecutive victories.
In the franchise rivalry that dates to 1960, the youthful Raiders (5-4) have passed the Chargers (4-6). Also, they own a ton of draft capital next year.