The Oakland Raiders (2-8) head to Invesco Field this Sunday to avenge a 41-14 defeat at the hands of the rival Denver Broncos (6-4) in week one.

A loss for the Silver & Black guarantees their six straight losing season and their 10^th loss in 11 meetings against the Broncos. The Raiders lead the all-time series 54-40-2, but Mike Shanahan has made it an enjoyable habit in beating up on his former club. Denver is aiming at a third straight victory to get a tight grip on a AFC West crown.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

So far, the Kwame Harris experiment has proven to be disastrous for the Raiders. The left tackle has not been able demonstrate that he is a capable NFL starter under Tom Cable’s tutelage and has gotten progressively worse in each passing game. Cable stated after the game in Miami, “At that point, enough is enough. We made the switch, and I thought Mario [Henderson] did a nice job in the second half.”

It appeared that Cable was done trying to make a serviceable player out of Harris, but after reviewing the film on Monday, he changed his tune saying, “He’s the left tackle of the Oakland Raiders.”

“Some things, once you get a chance to look at it on film, weren’t what you thought they were,” Cable continued. “Kwame will remain the starter. We’ve got to clean up the penalties with him but he was playing quite well other than those two false starts.”

What to Expect:

At this point, it’s not about confidence as Cable stated during the week, nor is it about technique. Harris was a bust in San Francisco and nothing has changed since he’s been in Oakland to change that label. Cornell Green on the other side has not been that much better. So an overhaul after the season should be their priority. As for this weekend, it should be back to basics and hope that they can run the football with the success they had last year in Denver when LaMont Jordan rushed for 159 yards during a 23-20 overtime loss.

On Defense:

Is this the week Derrick Burgess finally gets back on the field?

Cable thinks he could see action, but it makes you wonder if there is something else wrong with the speedy rusher other than the triceps injury that Oakland states he has.

Kalimba Edwards has played well in his spot, and Jay Richardson was able to take advantage of the pressure Tommy Kelly was able to apply to sack Chad Pennington in the end zone for a safety. So if Burgess does get back, expect Edwards and Richardson to share time on either side of the formation to get Burgess on the field and favorable match-ups as they move him around.

What to Expect:

Burgess playing means more pressure that can be applied along the front seven. And since Tommy Kelly is playing his best football in 2008, this could help the Raiders in their effort to make Jay Cutler uncomfortable in the pocket. Last time they met, he had all day to find his targets and toyed with DeAngelo Hall with a rookie receiver. Now, he has his best target back.

DENVER BRONCOS

On Offense:

The Broncos have solidified their offensive line in 2008. And starters at tackles Ryan Clady and Ryan Harris are the polar opposites of the Raiders tandem.

This is why Cutler has been able to enjoy a solid season and why Shanahan can open up the playbook and be relentless at attacking Rob Ryan’s defense. “It’s huge,” said Jay Cutler. “That’s why we’re still able to do a lot of things offensively. That’s why we’re able to stick running backs in there at will and still make things happen.”

What to Expect:

Brandon Marshall missed their first meeting. But immediately afterward, he put up a 18 catch effort versus the Chargers in week two and since has compiled 63 receptions (5^th in the NFL) and 803 yards (6^th in the NFL). With Eddie Royal on the other side (56 rec. 659 yards 4 TD), Oakland’s secondary will have their hands full. Then again, Denver could get their ground game going against a team they have historically mauled on the ground the last six years.

On Defense:

Last week, the Broncos started LE Ebenezer Ekuban (4 sacks), LT Dewayne Robertson, RT Marcus Thomas and RE Elvis Dumervil (3 sacks) along the defensive line. That group held Michael Turner to 3.2 yard per carry. And if they hold the Raider rushers to similar yardage, they’ll be able to control the ball game from the onset.

Champ Bailey is questionable for the game, and it likely he will not play especially since the Raiders have the 32^nd ranked pass offense in the NFL.

What to Expect:

Denver still allows a hefty amount of yards on the ground (143.1 yards per game). So they are susceptible to a solid ground game. But the Raiders have lost their identity as a good rushing team and if they can’t the offensive line back to playing cohesive football by Sunday, it will be another long afternoon for a team that has not scored an offensive touchdown since Oct. 26 versus the Ravens.

GAME NOTES

• Michael Bush saw time on the practice field as a fullback this week. The Raiders are desperate to get some playmakers on the field. And Bush only chance to see some action may be to embrace the role and maybe add some more versatility to the Raiders struggling offense. He is a good pass catcher, so that will give opponents someone extra to account for on the field. “Do I think I’m a fullback? No,” Bush said. “I’m doing it, so they can’t say I’m not helping the team.”
• Transactions: The Raiders signed offensive guard/center Junius Coston, who started seven games at right guard for the Packers in 2007. The Raiders waived defensive lineman Fred Wakefield, fullback Jason Davis and tight end Ben Troupe.
• In their last 11 meetings, the Raiders have allowed an average of 150 yards per game on the ground against the Broncos.

KEY MATCH-UPS

Marshall vs. Asomugha

Nnamdi Asomugha may be the best cornerback in the AFC. Marshall may just be the best receiver in the conference. Whenever they lock up, it will be fun to see who gets the upper hand.

Ryan vs. Shanahan

In their first meeting this season, Shanahan toyed with Ryan’s defense. What wrinkles does Ron Ryan put into his defense and how he will plan to put pressure on Cutler will be vital.

PREDICTION

Broncos 28 – Raiders 13

TV & RADIO

The game will be televised on CBS with Dick Enberg providing play-by-play and former NFL performer Randy Cross handling color analysis. The game will air locally on KPIX Channel 5. The game will also air in Sacramento on KOVR Channel 13 as well as on KHSL in Chico, KION in Monterey and KJEO in Fresno. The game will air on Raiders Radio originating on KSFO 560 AM, the Silver and Black Flagship for the multi-state Radio Network. Greg Papa and former Raiders player, assistant and head coach Tom Flores will man the booth for the 12th straight year. The radio pregame show and postgame show will feature Raider Legends George Atkinson and David Humm along with KGO’s Rich Walcoff. (All broadcast info cited from official Raiders Web Site)

GAME INFO

Home Team: Oakland Raiders (2-8) Home: 1-4 Road: 1-4

Road Team: Denver Broncos (6-4) Home: 3-2 Road: 3-2

When and Where: Sunday, November 23, 2008, 4:05 PM ET | INVESCO Field, Mile High, CO