The Oakland Raiders are set to play host to the San Diego Chargers on Monday night, in the second of two Monday night gams to start the 2012 season.
Both teams are hoping to start of their season with victories after both failed to make the playoffs in 2011.
The Raiders are hoping that a full training camp can help return starting quarterback Carson Palmer to form. Palmer was acquired by the Raiders in 2011 after a pseudo-retirement with the Bengals. As a member of the Raiders, Palmer threw just 13 touchdowns in 10 games while throwing 16 interceptions.
The Raiders will also be looking for more production coming out of running-back Darren McFadden who will be making his return from injury.
When healthy, McFadden is considered one of the best running backs in the NFL. He is a very versatile threat whose only downfall has been his inability to stay on the field for the Raiders, something that has held the franchise back even more in recent years.
McFadden began 2011 on a mission to prove that he can be relied on for an entire season; he went out and shredded the Denver Broncos defense for 150 yards on just 22 carries in the 2011 opener.
As for San Diego, starting running back Ryan Mathews is not expected to play. Mathews fractured his clavicle in San Diego's preseason opener, and is aiming for a Week 2 return.
Phillip Rivers will have to get used to life without Vincent Jackson as well after Jackson signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Chargers fans will get their first look at wide receiver Robert Meachem, who spent his first four seasons with the New Orleans Saints.
Kickoff is scheduled for 10:15 p.m. ET. Televised coverage can be found on ESPN.