Monday Night Football: Chargers @ Raiders

San Diego Chargers @ Oakland Raiders

If nothing else, Al Davis and his Oakland Raiders always make for an interesting story. The Raiders are a jigsaw puzzle that always has a few pieces missing and a few pieces that don't fit. Davis' erratic player drafts and signings have left the team in tatters, and the constant turnover at head coach has led to a confused organization with no identity. They hope to rectify all that this season and they do have some talent in place. Plenty of questions surround Jamarcus Russell and this is a big season for the signal-caller, he needs to prove he is the future for the Raiders at QB. But Russell doesn't need to do it all, he can rely on Darren McFadden, along with others, as the running game is Oakland's biggest weapon on offense.

Oakland's defense has all-world CB Nnamdi Asomugha and not a whole lot else. The Raiders brought in ex-Cowboy Greg Ellis to play defensive end and traded for Richard Seymour (yes, he's supposed to play some) to add some fire to their defensive line. The Raiders can't hope to leap to contender in this season alone, but if they can start winning some football games, keep their coaching staff in place and start making wise offseason moves; maybe they'll return to prominence.

San Diego is one of those teams where everyone says: They got a ton of talent, they just can't seem to win the big games. The Chargers are one of the most prolific offenses in the game when hitting on all cylinders, and for them to hit on all cylinders, LaDainian Tomlinson needs to be productive and integral to the game plan. Tomlinson is reaching that age when running backs start to decline and whispers are wondering if LT is on the downside of his career. The Chargers have a talented QB in Philip Rivers, but their receiving corps is pedestrian. The trio of Rivers, Tomlinson and TE Antonio Gates are the key pieces to a successful Chargers offense, with LT needing a return to form after a poor 2008.

The Chargers get back Shawne Merriman on defense after injury in 2008, but not without controversy. Regardless of the off-the-field issue, Merriman was one of the most feared pass rushers in the game and can disrupt an offense. His presence along with Shaun Phillips means San Diego can once again release the hounds on defense and go after quarterbacks. If the San Diego defense can control the Raiders ground game and force the game onto Jamarcus Russell's shoulders, they should be able to walk away with an easy victory.