Arrowheadlines: Chiefs News 10/20

Good morning! Here is today's Kansas City Chiefs news. Enjoy.

Until Wednesday, a day after he was traded to the Oakland Raiders, Carson Palmer hadn’t played or practiced since the end of last season.

While it might be difficult to believe he could be ready to start an NFL game at quarterback under those circumstances, the Chiefs were planning to see Palmer, a two-time Pro Bowler, as well as veteran backup Kyle Boller in Sunday’s game against the Raiders in Oakland.

Chiefs Prepare to Face Palmer on Sunday from KC Star

Reports coming out of Oakland had backup Kyle Boller taking the first starter's rep at Raiders practice, but Palmer also received first-team work.

"The good thing is we've got a lot of tape on Carson and our staff [has] very good familiarity with his strengths," Chiefs head coach Todd Haley said. "Kyle, same thing, we've seen him through the years a number of different places. He's on tape last week some, so much like Indianapolis, we've got to prepare for two guys and that happens on occasion and this is one of those weeks."

Arrowhead Report: Twists and Turns to Raider Week from The Mothership

The Chiefs haven’t returned a punt for a touchdown since the regular-season opener against San Diego last year, but they might have their best chance since then when they play the Raiders in Oakland this Sunday.

Javier Arenas is fourth in the NFL with a 16.3-yard punt-return average, and because Raiders punter Shane Lechler frequently out-kicks his coverage, the Raiders have allowed 15.9 yards per return, which is ranked 28th.

Chiefs Buzz: Team Hopes for Big Returns Against Raiders from KC Star

In this weekly article, Pro Football Spotlight will bring you the upcoming opponent's rushing and passing tendencies, as well as some additional data and observations. For example: Did you know that theOakland Raiders are ranked 1st in the NFL in yards, per attempt, when throwing to the short left side of the field?

Chiefs vs Raiders Week #7: Analyzing Oakland's Football Tendencies from Pro Football Spotlight

Q: How are you gearing yourself up to go against that defensive line and what are you saying to your blockers about keeping you upright on Sunday?

CASSEL: "It's one of those things that you have to go in with a mentality. You've got to know that it's going to be a physical football game. Those guys are going to win some battles, but as long as we can go out there and execute the game plan and put ourselves in the right position, we'll be fine."

Q&A with Matt Cassel 10/19 from The Mothership

Q: In the last game of the regular season last year, they ran the ball down your throat. Are they just a tough matchup for you guys?

HALEY: "They were in that last game for sure. I thought in the game out there we did some things to move the ball, throwing and running. We did some things to hurt ourselves. In that last game that we all played, they were clearly much better than us on that day. I know, again, our guys are really focused on trying to continue to do the things that we've been doing here over the past three weeks to make progress. We don't want to go backwards at all. We need to keep getting a little better each and every week."

Q&A with Todd Haley 10/19 from The Mothership

Jackie Battle at 6-2, 238 pounds has been far more productive as a runner, particularly when the Chiefs are looking for tough yardage. The Chiefs have also been unable to get McCluster matched up one-on-one against linebackers in the passing game, and his contributions in that part of the game are even more disappointing.

Kansas City Chiefs Team Report: McCluster Hasn't Emerged As Weapon from SportingNews

"This is a pivotal game for us," cornerback Brandon Flowers said of Sunday's divisional showdown. "We have to approach it as a pivotal game."

However, the Chiefs still face a daunting task with their running game depleted by the loss of Jamaal Charles. Fullback Le'Ron McClain (neck) and running back Jackie Battle (head) were both hurt against the Colts but are expected to play this weekend.

Kansas City at Oakland from CBS Sports

Jackson, who recruited Cassel and Palmer while on USC's coaching staff, is impressed by Cassel's perseverance. On Sunday, he'll do everything to beat Cassel, the starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, while Palmer suits up for the first time as a Raider.

"This guy (Cassel) ran down on kickoffs (at USC), was willing to play defense or anything to get on the field, and now this guy is a starting quarterback in the National Football League after he didn't play much in college," Jackson said. "It goes to show you that if you work, good things happen to you. He is a really good player. But I won't like him on Sunday."

Raiders Notes: Chiefs' Cassel Also Has Ties to Jackson from The Sacramento Bee

Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders. The Raiders better hope newly acquired Carson Palmer won't have too much rust as they face their well-rested arch rivals, who are coming off a bye. Credit the Chiefs for reinventing their offense without Jamaal Charles-and a big reason behind that has been the high level of play by another former Southern Cal quarterback. Matt Cassel has gotten into a groove with talented receivers Dwayne Bowe and Steve Breaston. The Chiefs also have found a back to help carry the load in Jackie Battle. All those factors, plus Palmer having a few chemistry issues with his offense early, should help the Chiefs win a physical fight. Chiefs 17, Raiders 14.

Week 7 Picks: Recovering Falcons Have Tools to Pull Upset from SportingNews

On the other side, K.C. has been barbecued most of the year, and the Vikings stink, and the Jets and the Bears aren't that special. I think the Broncos, with Tebow, have a fair chance of winning four games at home - Detroit, Chicago, Jets and Kansas City. Detroit and Chicago? Yes.

On the road, the Broncos could beat Miami, the Chiefs and the Vikings, and the Buffalo game is tough to figure.

Woody's Mailbag: With Tim Tebow now starting, a revised Broncos prediction for 2011 from The Denver Post

Todd Haley, Chiefs: He's going to have to extend the team's current two-game winning streak to help his chances. Kansas City can't go from AFC West champ in 2010 to below .500. The Chiefs play each of their division foes over the next four weeks with a date against the Dolphins part of the stretch. To save his job, he must win those four and find a way to make the playoffs.

Coaches on the Hot Seat: Reid Among Surprise Names in Jeopardy from NFL.com