TODAY’S GAMES

OAKLAND (11-3) at SEATTLE (5-9)

1 p.m., Ch. 2

* The line: Oakland by 6 1/2.

* Story line: The Raiders made a strong statement in thrashing the Jets, 31-7, on Sunday, and they can’t afford a letdown against a Seattle team that has been reduced to collecting paychecks. The Raiders are hearing footsteps, and they are coming from Denver. Despite the Raiders’ impressive record, this is a must-win situation.

* Keys to the game: Seattle quarterbacks vs. the Raider pass rush: Oakland knocked out Seattle’s Jon Kitna and Damon Huard with head shots in their first meeting. Oakland’s running game vs. Seattle’s front seven: Raider running backs Tyrone Wheatley and Napoleon Kaufman shredded the Seahawks for 190 combined yards earlier this season. The Seahawks are the only defense in the NFL to surrender more than 400 yards a game. However unlikely, Seattle’s only shot is to establish an effective running game.

WASHINGTON (7-7) at PITTSBURGH (7-7)

9:30 a.m., Ch. 11

* The line: Pick

* Story line: So long, Three Rivers Stadium. This game matches two teams at opposite ends of the emotional spectrum despite their identical records. The Steelers were picked by few to have any success this season; the Redskins qualify as the league’s biggest disappointment. Both teams must win their remaining games to keep slim playoff hopes alive. Including postseason, the Steelers are 181-72 in 31 seasons at Three Rivers.

* Keys to the game: Jeff George vs. the blitz: Count on Pittsburgh to throw everything at George, who has a history of becoming rattled when hit. Jerome Bettis vs. the Redskins’ front seven: Bettis should have success against a demoralized Redskin defense that has given up more than 140 rushing yards in each of the last three games. Kordell Stewart needs to complete a few passes early, and the running game will take care of the rest.