Tyrone Wheatley has given the Raiders a consistent running game.

I wasn't the least bit surprised that the Titans got blown out in Baltimore on Sunday. The Ravens had played two tough games against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team many consider to be the best in football. The Titans weren't able to run the football against the Ravens' top-rated run defense. Running back Eddie George and quarterback Steve McNair combined for 65 yards on the ground, and McNair had to throw 48 passes. That's not the way Tennessee will win games.

At new Adelphia Coliseum in Nashville, the Titans finally have a home-field advantage. They are one of only three NFL teams still undefeated on their home turf. The Raiders, however, have played well on the road. They have won only two of five road games, but in a game ESPN aired in Week 4, the Raiders lost a tight game at the Kingdome 22-21 to Seattle. They've also won at Minnesota and nearly beat the Packers at Lambeau Field.

Oakland has been involved in so many close games. Each one of their six losses has been by seven points or less. But the Raiders finally finished a game against Seattle last Sunday. Before that, they had found a way of self-destruct and lose tight games. Now the Raiders have an opportunity to close the gap in the AFC West and make a run at the wild card.

Here are the keys to Thursday's game for both teams:

Oakland Raiders
1. Win with Wheatley: The Raiders have to establish the running game with their power back, Tyrone Wheatley, who gained 80 yards last week against Seattle. Napoleon Kaufman enters the game as a dangerous change-of-pace back, but Wheatley is the pounder, the back the Raiders will do to control the tempo of the game.

2. Give Gannon time: In order for quarterback Rich Gannon to be effective, he needs time in the pocket. The Raiders offensive line must prevent the Titans from getting a push up the middle, putting defenders in Gannon's face and throwing off Oakland's timing-oriented offense. He needs to be able to get his first, second and third looks on passing downs and keep his rhythm.

3. Beware of McNair: The Raiders defense must be conscious of McNair running the football. He has developed an ability to throw the ball down the field. But they can't ignore his superb running ability, especially if Oakland is playing single coverage. That would leave the Raiders linebackers and defensive backs running down the field with their backs to the quarterback. If they do that, McNair can find openings for huge gains.

Tennessee Titans
1. Run, by George: The Titans couldn't run against Baltimore, but they must against Oakland. George, however, has to get more than eight touches, which is all he got last Sunday. The key will be the Titans offensive line being able to handle Raider defensive tackles Darrell Russell and Russell Maryland. They are a load up front and can make a world of difference in stopping the run. However, the Raiders are light at defensive end, especially Lance Johnstone (250 pounds). If the Titans are going to run, they have an opportunity running toward the edges of the Oakland defense.

2. Receivers must reap dividends: If the Titans are going to throw downfield, they can't do it in Charles Woodson's direction. The Titans have to treat Woodson with the respect they would Deion Sanders. But they need Kevin Dyson and another receiver -- Yancey Thigpen if he's healthy -- to make some plays. If they do decide to go Woodson's way, the Titans might be able to take advantage of him on an out-and-up or a quick post-and-go because Woodson likes to gamble and might bite on one of those plays. Because they haven't been getting production from their receivers lately, tight end Frank Wycheck has been a featured part of the offense. He had 10 catches at Baltimore. Wycheck can keep the chains moving, but the Titans need better production from their outside receivers in order to score points.

3. Take down Brown: The Titans must shut down Tim Brown and take him away from Gannon as an option. To do that, the Titans need a better effort from their secondary, which broke down and gave up big plays against Baltimore. Without Brown, Gannon will have problems moving the football until the Raiders get to the red zone, where he likes to throw to tight end Rickey Dudley. A lot of great receivers have played in West Coast offense -- Jerry Rice, Sterling Sharpe, Antonio Freeman -- and Brown is another one in that category.

Former NFL quarterback Joe Theismann works as a game analyst for ESPN's Sunday Night Football. He breaks down the Sunday night matchup every week for ESPN.com.