The Chargers (6-9) tied a franchise record with 11 sacks in last Sunday’s 27-17 win over the Jets. The defense had the benefit of facing third-string QB Greg McElroy in his first career start. Defensive cooardinator John Pagano plans to keep the heat dialed up against the 4-12 Raiders, who have yet to announce their starting QB for Sunday’s game.

Raiders coach Dennis Allen won't announce his starter until sometime after Friday's practice. Either Matt Leinart or Terrelle Pryor will start for Oakland because starting QB Carson Palmer suffered broken ribs and a bruised lung last week against the Panthers.

Leinart, a seven-year vet, only has two starts since 2007. Pryor is in his second season and has seen limited action in three games with just one completion of two passes attempted.

Pagano applauded the effort he got from his players last week in both blitz packages and basic four-man rush schemes because it gave the defense a big advantage. “It lets us be able to play in drop coverage,” Pagano said.

Pagano is hopeful that a strong rush this week will shut down the Raiders offense. “They are very explosive in the run game, and they have receivers and tight ends who can change the game,” Pagano said.

A healthy streak: QB Philip Rivers hasn't missed a game since he took over the starting role in 2006. He will make his 112th consecutive start on Sunday and will pass QB Tom Brady (111) for the fifth longest starting streak for quarterbacks in NFL history. Brett Favre (297), Peyton Manning (208), Eli Manning (134, active) and Ron Jaworski (116) have longer streaks.

It’s fairly remarkable that the streak has continued through this season considering Rivers has been sacked 47 times. “I think that you have to have good fortune,” Turner said. “He’s got to have a good feel in the pocket. He does do a good job of getting the ball out of his hands, but he’s taken some good shots this year and stood up to it. But sometimes it’s just a matter of good fortune.”

Rivers still gives a lot of credit to his O-line. “Obviously, the guys up front do a heck of a job,” Rivers said. “From a coaching staff and play-calling standpoint with Norv, protection is always a priority. The route may look good, but we have to be able to get the ball off. You have to battle through some of it, but I’m thankful I have not had an instance where I couldn’t go.”

A special week for Spurlock: WR-KR Micheal Spurlock was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for Week 16. Spurlock returned four punts for 107 yards, including a 63-yard punt-return touchdown vs. the Jets. Spurlock also added four kickoff returns for 66 yards (16.5 average) and one special-teams tackle. His 173 total KR yards were the most in the NFL last week.

Spurlock was released by the Chargers following Week 4. He then played Weeks 5 through 12 for the Jaguars before being released again, and then he promptly re-signed with San Diego. He has played for the Bolts since Week 13. “Guys get cut,” Spurlock said. “That’s a part of the business. We know that. When it’s your time to play, you have to put good stuff on tape and go do your job. The guys on special teams made their blocks and we got a good play.”

Spikes willing himself to play: ILB Takeo Spikes (hamstring) fully participated in practice on Thursday after missing Wednesday. Spikes also missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday of last week before playing. “I know that Takeo is less than 100 percent,” Turner said. “I think he has the mindset that he’s going to finish this thing out and play as long as he can.”

Spikes promised he would play. “My point is that no one is 100 percent,” Spikes said. “I’ve never played a season -- even my Pro Bowl season -- at 100 percent. Everyone is banged up. If I can’t play, I won’t play. I’m not trying to go out and get a Purple Heart or anything. I can play this game, and that’s my plan.”

Not focused on draft: San Diego could select as high as sixth overall in next year’s draft if they lose on Sunday. A win would slot them somewhere between No. 10 and No. 13. Rivers doesn’t believe fans should be pulling for a loss to improve the team’s draft position. “That is a losers' mentality and that is all I can say,” Rivers said. “More than 12 [teams] are alive. You are saying that half the league ought to shut it down at the Week 13 or 14 mark. There is just no way to do it.”

Injury report: Out of Thursday's practice -- RB Ronnie Brown (hamstring), ILB Donald Butler (groin). Returning to full participation: ILB Takeo Spikes (hamstring) and ILB Demorrio Williams (ankle). Brown and Butler also missed practice on Wednesday, but Turner said he expected they would both play on Sunday.

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