Raiders (5-4) at Broncos (3-7)
9 p.m. ET, ABC
Line: Broncos by 1½
Preview | Baxter's Bits | War Room Preview
Ron Jaworski's Monday night breakdown
Inside the Playbook: Raiders' bunch route

	Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon tossed four TD passes last week.

Why to watch:
This AFC West rivalry remains one of the NFL's most bitter feuds. Although the Broncos have fallen on hard times this season, one of Denver's three wins was a 16-13 victory at Oakland in Week 5. The Raiders, who still entertain playoff hopes, will be intent on a little payback at Mile High Stadium.

The Broncos have split their last four games, but both losses have come by a field goal, and one of the victories was a one-point win. The Raiders have won three of four since that early October loss to Denver, including an impressive 28-9 thumping of the Chargers last week in Oakland.

Although Denver is virtually out of the playoff hunt, the Broncos could be a spoiler in the AFC West, and they nearly beat the first-place Seahawks last week behind resurgent QB Chris Miller. You can bet that Mike Shanahan would like nothing better than to deal Al Davis' team another crushing blow in the postseason race. And Denver fans will bring their usual intensity when the Silver and Black is in town.

Who to watch:
Raiders QB Rich Gannon threw four TD passes last week, apparently benefitting from a bye week to heal his broken left wrist. Raiders RB Tyrone Wheatley also healed up during the off week and was back to his hard running style in the win over San Diego. Raiders CB/WR Charles Woodson played four offensive plays last week and can be an added threat in the passing game.

Raiders WR Tim Brown, who ranks second in the AFC with 60 catches and third with 832 receiving yards, will be matched up with Broncos CB Dale Carter. Of course, Brown will also see his share of double teams, giving Raiders WR James Jett the opportunity to make some plays against struggling Broncos CB Ray Crockett.

Broncos WR Rod Smith caught seven passes for 79 yards and a TD in the first meeting, while fellow wideout Ed McCaffrey had five catches for 88 yards. Broncos RB Olandis Gary has rushed for 530 yards in six games, but he was held to 64 yards on 20 carries in the game at Oakland. Raiders DTs Darrell Russell and Russell Maryland will try to slow the Denver ground game again.

Miller, who threw his first two TD passes since 1995 and hit 14 straight passes at one point last week at Seattle, will make his third consecutive start. He has completed 63 percent of his passes. Brian Griese, who's on the mend from a shoulder injury, should be able to serve as Miller's backup.

	MORE COVERAGE
	ABC MNF Online MNF Scouting Report

Raiders' numbers to know:
Oakland ranks No. 5 in the NFL in total offense, including No. 3 in total rushing. The Raiders are averaging 134.4 rushing yards per contest and 357 total yards per game. The Broncos are in the middle of the pack against the run, allowing 98 yards per contest.

Broncos' numbers to know:
Since Shanahan became the Broncos coach in 1995, Denver has won eight of nine meetings with the Raiders. Oakland has not won a game at Mile High Stadium since 1994.

What it means:
The Raiders are two games behind Seattle in the AFC West race and 1½ games behind Buffalo for the AFC's final wild-card spot. After the trip to Denver, Oakland plays three of its next four games at home, so a playoff run isn't out of the question. However, the Raiders have a recent history of fading in the second half.

As for the Broncos, they're still talking about running the table and possibly sneaking into the playoffs with a 9-7 record. Because that's highly unlikely, Denver is really playing for pride. And there's no way the two-time Super Bowl champs want to lose to their most-hated rivals in front of a national TV audience.

Sean Salisbury's breakdown
Raiders' game plan:
Oakland needs to keep Gannon moving. He can throw from the pocket, but the Broncos will try to change his aiming point. When Gannon is running play-action, or quarterback draw, or having him sprint out or running misdirection on a naked bootleg, he is so good at throwing while running to his left or his right. He is adept at both. I think the Raiders will also pound the ball with Wheatley and try to wear out the Broncos up front.

INJURY REPORT

Raiders: QUESTIONABLE: G Gennaro DiNapoli (ribs). PROBABLE: T Lincoln Kennedy (groin); WR Terry Mickens (wrist); C Barret Robbins (ankle); DT Darrell Russell (wrist). Broncos: OUT: S Eric Brown (knee); TE Shannon Sharpe (clavicle). DOUBTFUL: T Tony Jones (elbow); DT Mike Lodish (calf). QUESTIONABLE: QB Bubby Brister (ribs); QB Brian Griese (shoulder); RB Derek Loville (hamstring). PROBABLE: CB Ray Crockett (ankle); RB Olandis Gary (toe); DE Harald Hasselbach (eye); S Darrius Johnson (shoulder); C K.C. Jones (knee); T Matt Lepsis (knee); WR Ed McCaffrey (knee); C Tom Nalen (knee); LB Bill Romanowski (ankle); G Mark Schlereth (ankle); DE Neil Smith (ankle); WR Rod Smith (ankle); T Trey Teague (knee); CB Chris Watson (thigh).

The Broncos have not played well against the run this year or tackled well. While running the ball with Wheatley, the Raiders will use a lot of different formations, giving the Broncos a taste of their own medicine. If the running game is going early, then the Broncos can't dictate the tempo.

Between Eric Allen and Woodson, the Raiders defense has two good cornerbacks who can take away the passing game of the Broncos. With McCaffrey banged up, the Raiders can focus on taking away Smith. The focus, though, will be on stopping the Broncos' running game. They will focus on rookie running back Gary and trying to keep Miller in long-yardage situations.

The Broncos don't have Shannon Sharpe, so the Raiders will roll their coverage to take away Smith. Miller has been out of football for four years and still isn't used to seeing everything. Defensive coordinator Willie Shaw is aware of this and will try to make Miller react quicker than he is used to.

Broncos' game plan:
At times, the Broncos offense looks really good, and at other times they look out of sync. They have to make big plays this week. They are wearing out Gary with all the carries he is getting. The Broncos can't get into a passing fancy because the Raiders will tee off on Miller. Then again, the Raiders are tough against the run, so the Broncos need to use some multiple formations. They have to get back to what the Broncos do well -- play-action on first down. They also need more production from the tight end, who will be important if the Broncos hope to open things up outside for Smith and McCaffrey. The Broncos will come out throwing the ball in this game, as opposed to what they have done in the past.

For the Broncos defense, they are in for some difficulty, playing a team with a quarterback who understands where to throw the ball and receivers who can get open. They also have ice and fire in the backfield, with Napoleon Kaufman and Wheatley. The Broncos must stop the run first. They can't let the Raiders gain five yards on the ground or they will get worn out. Defensive coordinator Greg Robinson will play a safety close to the line of scrimmage, but they are taking some chances against a Raiders offense with Tim Brown, one of the best possession receivers of all time. Then they have good speed with Jett. They won't totally sell out to the run, but they need to commit to it first. If Wheatley gets 20 to 25 carries, the Raiders will be in good position. The Broncos can't allow that to happen.

Pivotal Player:
Byron Chamberlain. Denver's tight end has to be big this week, especially when working against the linebackers. He needs to make plays between the hash marks because I don't know how much success the Broncos will have on the outside against Woodson and Allen.