Raiders vs Chargers

Preseason is over and it is time for the real show to begin.  The Chargers are coming off a disappointing 8-8 season last year and start what they hope will be a better season in 2009 vs the "We haven't had a winning season since 2002" Raiders.  Oakland have gradually improved in recent years climbing from their two-win season in 2005 to a 5-11 record in 2008.  Is this the year for an even bigger climb?If it is, it sure isn't going to happen in game one.  The Chargers have owned the Raiders and are riding a 11-game winning streak vs their AFC West rivals from Oakland.  They have plenty of weapons on offense and will be running Ladainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles right through a defense that allowed an average of almost 160 rushing yards per game last year.  More trouble for the Raiders comes in the way of  Pro Bowl LB Shawne Merriman as he returns to the starting lineup.For a team that really needs to have a good season soon, the Raiders preseason was awful.  They were outscored 76-28 in their final two games, including a 45-7 blowout by the Saints at home while boos reigned down on them from frustrated fans.  Adding the recent news that Richard Seymour is a no-show after the trade and the cutting of QB Jeff Garcia, one has to wonder if the Silver and Black will have any focus on opening night.Sportsbook.com has the Chargers -9.5.   The Chargers have covered in 11 of the last 12 matchups with the Raiders.Pick the Chargers -9.5