Capsule Preview | Raiders at Seahawks, 5:30 tonight, Ch. 11/ESPN

Seattle vs. Oakland at Qwest Field

Kickoff: 5:30 p.m. TV: ESPN/Ch. 11 Radio: 710 AM The line: Seahawks by 7

LAST GAME

Seahawks: The Seahawks couldn't stop RB Larry Johnson, QB Damon Huard, TE Tony Gonzalez and WR Eddie Kennison a week ago and suffered through a horrible tackling game on defense in their 35-28 defeat at Kansas City. The Seahawks actually had a chance to drive for the tying score but their final possession stalled on downs. QB Seneca Wallace, in his first NFL start, threw three touchdown passes and two interceptions. CB Kelly Herndon returned a fumbled field-goal snap for a touchdown and D.J. Hackett and Jerramy Stevens caught their first touchdowns of the season. Johnson scored four touchdowns for the Chiefs.

Raiders: The Raiders, once viewed as the NFL's worst team after their ugly 0-5 start, won their second consecutive game, a 20-13 victory over the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers. CB Chris Carr ran back an interception 100 yards for a touchdown, and CB Nnamdi Asomugha ran one back 24 yards for a score as part of Oakland's four interceptions on the day. The Raiders' defense was the difference as the Oakland offense produced only 98 total yards. Justin Fargas rushed for 55 yards for Oakland.

NOTABLE

Seahawks: Special-teams coach Bob Casullo was the Raiders' special-teams coach from 2000 to 2003. ... RB Maurice Morris might be struggling this season, but he still averages 5.7 yards a carry against AFC teams. ... FB Mack Strong has one touchdown catch in his career against the Raiders, and the Seahawks have won four of the past five games when Strong has a touchdown reception. ... WR Darrell Jackson has six touchdowns in the past six games. He's seeking his fourth game in a row with a touchdown catch of 40 or more yards. ... WR Deion Branch has a touchdown in four of his six career games on Monday night.

Raiders: The Raiders hold a 27-22 advantage over the Seahawks in regular season action since the teams first met in 1977. ... Raiders coach Art Shell holds a 9-2 record against the Seahawks, including a 5-1 mark in Seattle. ... WR Randy Moss ranks third among active NFL players in touchdown catches. He needs one more 100-yard game to tie Michael Irvin for fourth-most in NFL history. ... P Shane Lechler has a punt of 50 or more yards in nine consecutive games.

INJURY REPORT

Seahawks: RB Shaun Alexander (left foot) and QB Matt Hasselbeck (right knee) are out. LB D.D. Lewis (right big toe) and DT Marcus Tubbs (left knee) are doubtful. WR Bobby Engram (thyroid condition), FB Josh Parry (left foot), RT Sean Locklear (left ankle) and G Chris Spencer (left knee) are questionable. WR Darrell Jackson (left foot) and DT Rocky Bernard (right toe) are probable.

Raiders: QB Aaron Brooks (shoulder) is doubtful. S Jarrod Cooper (hamstring), S Michael Huff (shoulder), RB LaMont Jordan (back) and G Barry Sims (abdomen) are questionable. RB Justin Fargas (shoulder) and DT Warren Sapp (hip) are probable.

KEY QUESTIONS ENTERING TODAY'S GAME

Is this game a turning point in the season? Yes. A defeat means 4-4 and a tougher road to the playoffs, plus a certain shakeup in confidence and probably personnel. A victory means 5-3 with a chance to have a good month of November and jump right back into the NFC elite. The Seahawks need this one for their own good frame of mind. The defense has been getting shelled on the field and in the media. The offense is missing two key pieces and a running game. Nevertheless, this is a game circled on the schedule as a victory in light of the Raiders' struggles.

Can the Seahawks cover Randy Moss? They'll have to find a way. Moss hasn't had his best season but a guy with his size and speed spells trouble, and the Seahawks haven't proven they can stop even average receivers of late. Marcus Trufant has to answer the critics with a better game, and the safeties have to be in the right spots to help with the coverage.

Will the Seahawks finally have a good rushing attack? These Raiders aren't so great at stopping the run, but the Seahawks haven't been good running the ball either. Something has to give. The Seahawks are due for a good rushing performance but need the blocking to make that happen. It's become glaring how much Alexander and former left guard Steve Hutchinson are missed.

Have the tackling issues on defense been resolved? You can never tell until game day. The Seahawks made it a point of emphasis over the past week, and they won't be facing the type of offensive threats that Kansas City had, so the problem figures to only diminish.

How have the Seahawks fared in prime-time games? The Seahawks are 28-20 in prime time, having played in 21 Monday night games (13-8) and 27 Thursday or Sunday night games (15-12). Seattle is 14-8 on ESPN, which is televising the game. Surely fans remember the Monday night pounding the Seahawks dealt the Philadelphia Eagles in the snow at Philly last December. The Seahawks are 3-2 against the Raiders overall on Monday night.

Jose Miguel Romero