To get you ready for week 17, FanHouse is previewing all 16 NFL games. Here is the San Diego Chargers/Oakland Raiders preview.2007 Records:
San Diego Chargers 10-5 (1st in AFC West)
Oakland Raiders 4-11 (t-3rd in AFC West)
Last Game:
Chargers 23, Broncos 3
Jaguars 49, Raiders 11
When the Chargers have the ball: They'll give it to LaDainian Tomlinson and hope for the big plays he's been delivering. LT has reasserted himself as the top back in the game, rushing for over 100 yards in each of the last four games, scoring six touchdowns in the process. With the Chargers playing good defense, the offense hasn't needed to throw the ball much over the last month, keeping Philip Rivers at 25 or fewer attempts for the most part.
When the Raiders have the ball: They'll try to run the ball so that it's not up to JaMarcus Russell to make the big plays. Getting the first start of his career, it will no doubt be a rocky game for Russell who only completed 7 of 23 passes. Luckily with it being the final week of a lost season, the Raiders will probably let Russell throw the ball plenty, they'll just use the run to ease the pressure on him.
The Edge: The Chargers are angling for better playoff position while the Raiders are looking to play spoilers. It's no secret that these teams dislike each other giving Oakland some extra incentive. Still, anytime you have to start a rookie quarterback, you're probably in trouble. The edge goes to San Diego, though I expect the Raiders to play a hard game.
Keep an eye on:
LaDainian Tomlinson: Four straight 100 yard games, six touchdowns over that span, can LT keep it going? It's fun to watch the Chargers when Tomlinson has it going, and he seems to have found his stride.
JaMarcus Russell: They've handed the reigns over to their top draft pick, and now he has the opportunity to prove what he can do. He's had a full week to prepare for the game and with the Raiders out of contention, there won't be any pressure on him. It will be interesting to see how he rebounds from his three interception game last week.
