Schedule Highlights

Got something to say?Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article!There are more rumors circling the NFL right now than at a week-long cheerleading camp. On Monday, the were getting a quarterback in the draft; on Tuesday, they were grabbing a safety; on Wednesday they were trading up...It's time to steer clear of the ever-changing pre-draft buzz, relax, and take a quick look at some 2006 must-see-TV.Most crucial: Week 1 ?San Diego ChargersOakland's season will kick-off with quite possibly their most imperative contest of the 16-game 2006 set. A win would be enormous for the team for two historically-defiant reasons: One, they haven't won a home-opener since a 31-17 victory over the Seattle Seahawks back in 2002; and two, they were shutout in all six divisional games last season. A Week One victory over Philip Rivers and company would not only jumpstart the 2006 season nicely, but it should also kill two pesky birds with one stone.Toughest matchup: Week 6 - at Denver BroncosPlaying at Mile High is never an easy task, especially for the despised silver and black. The were shutout in the win column by the Broncos in 2005 and were outscored 20-53 in both meetings. The Raiders will have their hands full early-on against the team that they have dropped five of their last six games against. Oakland will need a Rod Woodson-like performance on the defensive side of the ball to get themselves rolling in Week Six against their long-standing divisional rival.Most winnable matchup: Week 5 - at San Francisco 49ersYou almost hate to single-out a "locked" game before the season even begins; but, if you had to, the 49ers would catch your eye first. The Bay Area rival scored just 259 points last season in a dismal 2-14 campaign. Sans the Larry Allen acquisition, little has been done to help alleviate the pressure for struggling quarterback Alex Smith. In nine rookie outings, the Utah alumnus completed just 50.9 percent of his passes for one touchdown and eleven interceptions. If Derrick Burgess and Lance Johnstone have any success pressuring the young quarterback early on, this game could be out of reach for the 49ers before the half.Team to be wary of: Week 13 - Houston TexansThe Texans...in a home game? Ha! Well, not so fast. When you think of the Houston Texans, "expansion team" comes to mind. And when you think of an expansion team, you instinctively presume that your team has the advantage heading into the matchup. Yet, the Texans will be entering their fifth season in the NFL-a season following a dreadful 2-14 outing. However, this offseason, the Texans bolstered several of their weak spots through acquiring names such as Eric Moulds, N.D. Kalu, and Sam Cowart. Throw Reggie Bush into the mix, and Houston卼here could be a problem. Oakland can't take this rebounding squad lightly late in the season, regardless of either team's record.Upset city: Week 8 ?Pittsburgh SteelersThe Steelers will be heading into Week Eight likely thinking that they will be meeting with their easiest opponent of the season up until that point. The October 29th get-together will succeed meetings with Miami, Jacksonville, Cincinnati, San Diego, Kansas City, and Atlanta. By this time of year, the defending NFL Champions could be as sizzling as like the 2005 version, or struggling to stay afloat. Coming into Oakland will be a tough task in either event, primarily due to the rough road that led them there. With a meeting with the Denver Broncos looming ahead in the following week, the Super Bowl champs may unconsciously let their feet slip from underneath them in Week Eight.Okay, okay, you're now free to start rethinking which first-rounder will be a part of the above games?br />Vince Young?