Oakland has lost two straight since acquiring QB Carson Palmer from the Bengals. Palmer has played six quarters for the Raiders and has thrown six interceptions. He did throw for 332 yards and three scores in Sunday’s 38-24 loss to Denver. The Raiders played without star running back Darren McFadden in that game and he’s not likely going to play Thursday night, either. McFadden, as of this writing, hasn’t even practiced with the team in about three weeks with a sprained foot. He was leading the NFL in rushing when he got hurt. Michael Bush had 96 yards on 19 carries against Denver and would start again.

Oakland is expecting back starting linebacker Rolando McClain after he missed the Broncos loss in which the Raiders allowed a whopping 299 yards rushing. The Raiders have struggled against the run all year, allowing 5.2 yards per carry. They also are on pace to set the NFL in record in total penalties and penalty yards this season; the Raiders are averaging 10.5 penalties for 91.2 yards per game.

The Chargers have dropped three in a row and are tied with the Raiders and Chiefs atop the AFC West at 4-4. Something is amiss with QB Philip Rivers, but he swears he’s not hurt. He led the NFL in passing yards last year and was an MVP candidate but threw a career-high three picks in Sunday’s 45-38 home loss to Green Bay, two of which were returned for TDs. He now has a league-high 14 picks and 17 overall giveaways this season. Injury-wise for San Diego, starting RB Ryan Mathews is expected to return after missing the Packer game. But out again are starting WR Malcom Floyd, left guard Kris Dielman and linebacker Shaun Phillips.

This is the first meeting of the season between the rivals. The Raiders had lost 13 straight in this series before sweeping the Bolts a season ago. Oakland actually has covered the past four meetings.

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