Much attention has been given to Quarterback situation this week in Oakland. Speculation abounds for who the media thinks will be starting this week in Oakland. I think there are several options Coach Hue Jackson is looking at. One is that Carson Palmer will start but they won't ask him to do very much in the passing game and hand the ball off 60-70% of the plays. Then have Palmer take some shots down the field on plays he's studied this past week and is comfortable running. Another option could be that he starts Boller and plays him for the majority of the game but gets Palmer in on some plays that he's familiar with. The final option could be playing all three QB's with using Terrelle Pryor in wildcat formations and running wide receiver reverses and QB options with both McFadden lined up at QB and Pryor lined up as a wide out and vice versa. The most likely situation is that Hue is trying to throw the Chiefs off the game plan and going with Palmer, even though the media is sure it will be Boller. Remember this is the same guy that stuck Aaron Curry out there as a starter with only one day of practice. He's going to go with who he thinks is the better player and gives them the best chance to win. He was also Palmer's Offensive Coordinator for three years at USC at wide receiver's coach in Cincinnati, so Palmer is familiar with Jackson's offensive system. The Chiefs, meanwhile, are looking to win three straight games and get back in the race in the AFC West. Let's take a look at the matchups and predict a winner.
Raiders Offense vs. Chiefs Defense
The Raiders are sure to give the Chiefs a heavy dose of the running game, where they made their hay last year against the AFC West opponents. The Chiefs defense ranks in the bottom half of the league in total defense (19th), pass defense (17th), and rush defense (21st). The Raiders will look to find big holes in the running game and utilize their speedy receivers on the edge with deep routes and reverses. Kevin Harlan was on Between the Lines with Kevin Kietzman on Friday and said that the Raiders have the fastest receiving corps in the NFL and "it's not even close." The Raiders Offensive Line is one of the most underrated groups in the NFL and the Chiefs have only mustered 5 sacks this year.
Advantage: Raiders
Raiders Defense vs. Chiefs Offense
The Raiders defense has played pretty well at times against the run this year, only allowing two teams to run for more than 100 yards against them, both losses. If they can hold the Chiefs running game down, they'll be able to pressure Matt Cassell and control the line of scrimmage. The Chiefs will look to get Bowe involved early, something they haven't been able to do for the most part all season. Jackie Battle is coming off a good performance against the Colts where he rushed for over 130 yards. The Raiders are a little banged up on the defensive line with Seymour listed as questionable, but should play, and Shaughnessy out for the year. They will mix and match with Wimbley and Bryant filling in for Shaughnessy's spot, Wimbley getting the third-down pass-rushing duties. Meanwhile, Aaron Curry will play outside linebacker and has been a pleasant surprise in his first game with the team last week.
Advantage: Raiders
Special Teams
The Raiders just signed Dave Rayner as their emergency Kicker after Janikowski was listed as questionable with a hamstring injury. Janikowski is listed as out for the game early this morning and that has the potential to change the philosophy of how Hue will approach the kicking game. The Chiefs have a decent return game but limited in their big play ability. Jacoby Ford returned his 4th Kickoff Return for a TD last week against the Browns since taking over the returning duties early last year.
Advantage: Raiders
Prediction: Raiders 20, Chiefs 13
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