AFC West rivals, the San Diego Chargers and the Oakland Raiders, open up their 2006 NFL season’s on the big Monday night stage. Both teams are hoping that their off season changes will equal playoff berths. San Diego finished 9-7 last season behind quarterback Drew Brees, but missed the playoffs for the ninth time in 10 seasons. With Brees departed to New Orleans, former N.C. State standout Phillip Rivers will get his first NFL start.

Aaron Brooks is taking over for Kerry Collins for the Silver and Black. Owner Al Davis is hoping that he can be the answer in Oakland, but I’m not sure Payton Manning or Tom Brady could get the Raiders to the playoffs. But perhaps talented offensive players such as wide receivers Randy Moss and Jerry Porter as well as running back LaMont Jordan will be the supporting cast that Brooks was missing in New Orleans.

The Raiders have also summoned back Hall of Famer Art Shell to take over the reigns at head coach. The addition of Shell means Al Davis is pulling out all the stops to try to get his team back on top. Shell manned the Raiders from 1989-1994 and qualified for the playoffs three times in those six years. But despite some success, Al Davis pulled the plug on him. After two disappointing seasons under Norv Turner, Davis is hoping Shell can get the Silver and Black back to the post season. I hope Davis isn’t so quick to pull the plug this time around as Shell won’t be able to rebuild this thing over night.

The reality of this matchup is that the Chargers have dominated of late, winning 5 straight meetings. But with San Diego starting an inexperienced quarterback, the Raiders could have their best chance in quite some time to get past San Diego and they’ll get that chance at home.

If the Raiders want to pull off the upset, they’ll have to contend with a steady dose of LaDanian Tomlinson. Tomlinson has torched the Raiders in his career rushing for 1,215 yards and nine touchdowns in 10 games as well as catching two TD’s and throwing for two. Art Shell will make sure that Phillip Rivers beats him and not Tomlinson.

Ultimately, this one comes down to how each teams offense performs with their new quarterbacks. Brooks has the edge in experience, but he is yet to prove that he can be an efficient pocket passer in the NFL. Rivers won’t be asked to do too much in his debut. I expect several mistakes, but I’m also expecting some great play action opportunities. This is the only Monday Night Football matchup you’re going to want to lay down on and I’ve done my homework. I know which team’s offense has the advantage and which team will struggle to get things going. Make sure you’re on my side for an easy MNF winner.