It's Veteran's appreciation day at O.co. Eddie Money performed live before the game in Raiderville and sang the national anthem to start the game. Members of every service are on the field to show their colors and unfurl a giant flag with parachuters and a flyby.

Despite the weather report calling for an 80% chance of rain, it is a beautiful sunny day here in Oakland. That means any chance the Saints aerial attack will be in full effect. Drew Brees is looking forward to facing this Raiders defense which was torched by the Ravens last week and gave up 55 points.

The Raiders are hoping to get their offense going against this porous Saints defense. Carson Palmer will be looking to have another big game against the Saints worst ranked pass defense. He will need to have a big day if the Raiders hope to keep up with the Saints offense.

Marcel Reece gets the start again at running back. The Raiders will need the offensive line to open up some good holes so he can offer some help in the run game.

Helping things along the offensive line is the return of Khalif Barnes at right tackle. Starting in place of the injured Tyvon Branch will be Mike Mitchell. It stops Tyvon Branch's streak of 57 straight starts and marks Mitchell's first start at free safety since the Raiders drafted him in the second round in 2009.

Inactives

Raiders: QB Terrelle Pryor, RB Darren McFadden, RB Mike Goodson, S Tyvon Branch, OL Lucan Nix, DT Richard Seymour.

Saints: WR Greg Camarillo, CB Corey White RB Darren Sproles, LB Scott Shanle, OT Zach Strief, DT Tyrunn Walker, DE Junior Galette