Oakland Raiders @ San Diego Chargers Thurs. Nov. 10, 2011 8:20 p.m. EST

Ever since the Oakland Raiders pulled the trigger on the trade that brought Carson Palmer to the Bay Area, the silver and black have had a tough time getting back on track as they have lost two straight against two division rivals in the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos. Even though Palmer being rusty was to be expected, the veteran quarterback has thrown six interceptions in the last two games and has started to jeopardize the Raiders’ chances of contending for the AFC West division title.

Fortunately, the Oakland Raiders still have a legitimate shot to win the division title as they are sitting with a 4-4 record and are in third place in the AFC West. With the San Diego Chargers and the Kansas City Chiefs also having 4-4 records, the Raiders can take advantage of their situation in Week 10 as they are set to face off against Norv Turner’s squad in San Diego.

This season the race for the AFC West division title could very well come down to the last week of the season like it did last year, but the Oakland Raiders will have to get the best of their division rivals in Week 10 in order to stay in the hunt.

One thing that could determine the outcome of this AFC West showdown on Thursday night is the health of Pro Bowl running back Darren McFadden. If Run DMC can get back on the field and contribute, the scales tilt in the Raiders’ favor in my opinion.

As of right now, the San Diego Chargers have been favored to come out on top against the division rival Oakland Raiders with a -7 point spread.

Related News

• NFL Week 14: Kansas City Chiefs vs San Diego Chargers odds and predictions
• NFL Week 9: Denver Broncos @ Oakland Raiders
• NFL Week 13: Oakland Raiders vs San Diego Chargers Sportsbook odds and predictions
• Which team will win the AFC West division title?
• NFL Week 9: Kansas City Chiefs vs Oakland Raiders Sportsbook odds and predictions