Raiders head to Seattle as these bitter AFC West combatants renew acquaintances once again.

Oakland owns a 24-20 overall edge in the standings (including playoffs) and has prevailed in 13 of the 18 encounters in the 1990s.

A year ago, the Raiders swept the Seahawks for the first time since 1993. In Week 9 on a Sunday evening (ESPN) at the Kingdome, since-departed Raiders QB Donald Hollas threw for 237 yards and a pair of scores (1 INT) and the sloppy Seahawks coughed up the football five times (including an interception by since-departed Seahawks QB Warren Moon, returned 74 yards for a touchdown by since-departed Raiders DB Albert Lewis) as the Raiders posted an important 31-18 victory.

Two weeks later at Oakland (Week 11), Seattle jumped out to a 10-0 second-quarter lead, but Jon Gruden's team rallied for a 20-17 victory thanks to 13 fourth-quarter points, including since-departed PK Greg Davis' 38-yard field goal with :11 to play.

While the Raiders are 10-11 lifetime at the Kingdome (including playoffs) dating back to 1978, Silver and Black is 7-2 in their last 9 visits to Seattle dating back to 1990.

Numbers:In their first two games in '98, Raiders have totaled 12 sacks and forced 10 turnovers, but have allowed 995 total yards (331.7 YPG) and 62 points. After allowing just 175 points in their first 10 games in 1998 (7-3), Raiders have allowed 243 points in their last 9 games (3-6). The Raiders have limited the opposition to fewer than 100 yards rushing in 3 straight games. They have forced three or more turnovers in five straight games dating back to '98. The Raiders have totaled three or more sacks in three straight games.

In their last 19 games dating back to 1998, Seahawks' defense/special teams have scored 16 touchdowns (10 interception returns, 2 fumble returns, 3 punt returns, 1 kickoff return). Since 1996, the Seahawks have given up 402 points in 25 wins (16.1 PPG), 697 points in 26 losses (26.8 PPG). Since 1996, the Seahawks have allowed 140 or more yards rushing in 20-of-51 games, 180-plus yards rushing in 8 of those contests. The Seahawks have been limited to fewer than 100 yards rushing in four straight games dating back to '98. They have committed two or more turnovers in three straight games.

Things To Look For: Oakland's hard-charging defensive unit continues to give up its share of yards, but can also be found in the opposing backfield and around the football. Seattle's defense and special teams continue to put points on the board and will get its opportunities against unpredictable Raiders' QB Rich Gannon. But forget the passing attacks; the ability to run the football late in the game will be crucial.

Etc.:Raiders WR Tim Brown (9,858) needs 142 yards to become just the 16th player in NFL history with 10,000 career receiving yards.

Seahawks RB Ricky Watters (8,091) needs 99 yards to move into 18th place on the NFL's all-time rushing list, passing Gerald Riggs (8,188) and Roger Craig (8,189). Watters needs 134 yards to tie Herschel Walker (8,225) for 17th place on the NFL's all-time rushing list. The Seahawks are 16-40 vs. divisional competition since 1992 (3-5 in '98).