Chargers vs Raiders: Key Players to Watch in Monday Night Football Showdown

The Week 1 matchup between the Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers will come down to the performances of a few key players.

Each team finished with identical 8-8 records last season, but it will likely take more than that for either squad to reach the postseason in an improved AFC West. This game will go a long way in setting the tone for the division in 2012.

While there are a number of talented players on each team, these men will be vital in leading their teams to victory in this divisional showdown.

Malcolm Floyd, WR, San Diego Chargers

With Vincent Jackson now in Tampa Bay, Malcolm Floyd will need to step up and lead the receiving corps. He finished with over 700 receiving yards in each of the last three years as a secondary target, but this year he will be the go-to guy.

Floyd has the good size typical of a receiver that Philip Rivers likes to target, so he should be important in the red zone against the Raiders when Antonio Gates is covered. 

Takeo Spikes, MLB, San Diego Chargers

Darren McFadden does not have a history of staying healthy for long, but he is dangerous when he is on the field. The running back will likely be the focal point of the offense as the Raiders try to move the ball and control the game.

Takeo Spikes will need to take charge in an effort to help the run defense. The 35-year-old led the team with 106 tackles last season and will need to be all over the field for the Chargers on Monday night.

Linebacker Donald Butler and tackle Antonio Garay will also be key to stopping the talented running back, but Spikes needs to prove once again that he can still get it done.

Carson Palmer, QB, Oakland Raiders

A full offseason with the Raiders will help develop chemistry, but the veteran quarterback will need to cut down on turnovers if the team has any chance to win this year.

In 2011, Palmer threw 16 interceptions compared to only 13 touchdowns. He only had two games without a pick in his 10 games in Oakland.

This will likely be a run-first offense, but the team has no chance of succeeding unless Palmer plays within himself.

Tommy Kelly, DT, Oakland Raiders

The Chargers will not be able to run as much with Ryan Mathews unavailable. This will allow the Raiders to get a better pass-rush going against a one-dimensional offense.

Tommy Kelly has had 14.5 sacks over the past two years and can consistently put pressure on the opposing quarterback. He will need to do more of the same against Philip Rivers to slow the passing attack and keep the Chargers off the scoreboard.

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