COSTA MESA, Calif -- While coach Anthony Lynn would take a blowout win over the Oakland Raiders, he's a realist.
Lynn knows that over the last 10 games between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Raiders, eight of them have been decided by eight points or less.
So in this matchup between AFC West rivals, Lynn is expecting the game to go down to the wire.
"We'd love to get a big lead, but in this league that's not realistic," Lynn said. "Most of these games are won by one score. So we're expecting their best shot, a tough, four-quarter football game. And that's what we're getting our mindset ready for."
With a victory, the Chargers would sweep the season series between the Raiders for the first time since 2014.
Let's take a look at a two questions from this week's mailbag.
What is going to be the chargers number 1 priority this offseason?
— Shyrone bigums (@real_tommy_G619) December 29, 2017
@eric_d_williams: Certainly finding a developmental prospect for the future at quarterback and continuing to add young depth to the offensive line are at the top of the list.
However, I think finding a consistent kicker with a strong leg who can make clutch kids would have to be one of the Chargers' top priorities this offseason.
If you include punter Drew Kaser, the Chargers used five different kickers this year. The kicker carousel started early, with undrafted rookie Younghoe Koo beating out Josh Lambo for the starting job in training camp.
An inconsistent Koo lasted four games before the Chargers released him, while Lambo later signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars and has made 18 of 19 field goals with a long of 56 yards, including a game winner in overtime against his former team.
Veteran Nick Novak provided some stability at the position after replacing Koo in Week 5, but a back injury during the team's Thanksgiving Day win over the Dallas Cowboys forced the Chargers to sign Travis Coons a week later.
Although he made 7 of 8 field goals, Coons only lasted three games. He was replaced by Nick Rose in Week 16. Rose was waived by the Washington Redskins after their regular kicker Dustin Hopkins returned from a hip injury.
Rose badly missed a 47-yarder against the Jets last week, but had touchbacks on all three kickoffs and appears to have a strong leg. Rose made 10 of 11 field goals with Washington before his arrival in Los Angeles, and at 23 years old perhaps could be the answer long-term for the Chargers.
But the Chargers lost two games this season against the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins because of inconsistency at the kicking position.
On the season, the Chargers' 68 percent field goal percentage is the worst in the NFL. The Chargers allow 25.8 yards per return on kickoffs, third-worst in the NFL. The Chargers have to find stability at kicker during the offseason.
If they make it to the playoffs, playing @ Jax will be a true test of roster turn around from earlier in the season. How has made the biggest improvement in your opinion?
— Francisco Sanchez (@franchez619) December 30, 2017
@eric_d_williams: Three guys stand out for me that have made significant improvement from last year to this year.
Kenny Wiggins has developed into a solid interior lineman during his time with the Chargers since joining the team in 2013, providing stability and leadership up front.
Defensive tackle Darius Philon also made a major jump in his development this season. He's tied for fourth on the team in sacks with four and has 27 tackles, including six tackles for loss.
Jahleel Addae is another guy who has quietly had a good season. He leads the Chargers in tackles with 92. At 5-11 and 200 pounds, Addae has been effective in the running game. But because he doesn't have any interceptions this season, Addae hasn't gotten as much shine as he deserves nationally.