First-place Jaguars welcome Raiders

The storyline
Who thought these two teams would be jostling for playoff position in December? The last time the Raiders traveled cross-country for a 1 p.m. kickoff, the Steelers destroyed them. The Jags could put distance on the Colts.

Why you should watch
David Garrard has been a top-five passer the second half of the season. Mike Thomas and Marcedes Lewis deserve more attention than they're getting. Jacoby Ford's blazing speed should give the Jags' secondary fits.

Did you know?
The Raiders have won four of the past five December road games. ... Oakland's Darren McFadden is third in the NFL with 122.1 yards from scrimmage per game. ... Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew has had five consecutive 100-yard rushing games. ... Daryl Smith leads Jacksonville with 66 tackles.