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Oakland (4-7) at San Diego (7-4) Sunday 8:30 pm EST

SAN DIEGO (Ticker) -- LaDainian Tomlinson has made a believer out of coach Marty Scottenheimer. The two-time Pro Bowl running back also should have the Oakland Raiders' full attention.

Led by Tomlinson, the San Diego Chargers seek their fifth straight win Sunday when they meet the Raiders for a second time this season in a battle of AFC West rivals.

Arguably the NFL's best running back, Tomlinson always has had his way against the Raiders, rushing for 1,129 yards and nine touchdowns in nine career games against them.

In the first meeting between the teams on October 16, Tomlinson had a rushing, receiving and passing touchdown as the Chargers coasted to a 27-14 victory. He rushed for 140 yards on 31 carries.

Tomlinson continued to stamp his reputation last week, rushing for 184 yards and two touchdowns, including a 41-yard score 34 seconds into overtime as the Chargers rallied for a 23-17 victory at Washington. He sent the game into overtime with a 32-yard TD run with 3:29 left in regulation.

Tomlinson's effort against the Redskins drew high praise from Schottenheimer.

"I believe with a certainty, in my opinion, he is the finest running back I have ever seen in professional football," Schottenheimer said. "I know people say, 'Well, what about Jim Brown and what about Gale Sayers?' That's all well and good, but I tell you what, in the era that we're in now where you have defensive linemen that weigh 300 pounds and run 4.75 and these mammoth guys that are playing linebacker, I think with a certainty, in my opinion, he is the finest running back that I have ever seen."

Tomlinson could be salivating for another chance at the Raiders after Ricky Williams and rookie Ronnie Brown combined for 140 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 31 carries last week as Oakland suffered a 33-21 loss to Miami.

Drew Brees also will be looking for another big performance against the Raiders after he threw three interceptions in last week's win. Brees completed 14-of-20 passes for 164 yards and a touchdown in the first meeting against the Raiders. He threw for 507 yards and six TDs without an interception in two wins over Oakland last season.

San Diego is tied for second place with Kansas City, two games behind Denver.

The Raiders have lost three of their last four games and are in last place in the division.

Matchup to watch: Chargers right guard Mike Goff, who made the block on Tomlinson's game-winning touchdown last week, against left defensive tackle Ted Washington.

Series: The Raiders lead, 55-35-2, but Schottenheimer is 24-7 against Oakland.

Next week: Oakland visits NY Jets, December 11 San Diego hosts Miami, December 11