Raiders Now Control Playoff Fate
Every game matters.
For some teams, that statement no longer pertains, as their fate following the regular season has already been determined. But for a number of teams in the playoff hunt, like Las Vegas, the cliché couldn't hold more truth.
The Raiders haven't made a trip to the postseason since the 2016 season when they lost in a Wild Card game to the Houston Texans.
Las Vegas (8-7) is tied with the Baltimore Ravens (8-7) and its division rival, the Los Angeles Chargers (8-7). All three of them are fighting for the seventh and final playoff spot in the AFC.
For the Raiders, it is simple -- win your final two regular season games and you are in the NFL playoffs. Lose one of them and it is not over either, you just need help.
As of now, the Raiders have an 18 percent chance of to make the playoffs, according to FiveThirtyEight.
Las Vegas has much more of a say in its fate than merely attaining two more wins. The team will have a Week 17 game against the Indianapolis Colts, one of the teams that stands in front of the Raiders in the playoff picture.
Las Vegas' final game will then be against the Chargers. A victory for the Raiders in that matchup (assuming they overcome Indianapolis) will secure them a ticket to the postseason.
Should said scenario become a reality, the Raiders would have won four straight games to finish the regular season. They haven't won four games in a row since 2016, when they had a six-game winning streak.
Things are about to get chaotic in the NFL. One thing is for certain though: the final two weeks of the regular season will separate those teams that belong and those teams that do not.
Want to talk about this? Want to air your opinion about all things Las Vegas Raiders? Maybe you like to talk about other sports that aren't Silver and Black related? We got your back. Join our 100% FREE message board, a brand new option, when you CLICK RIGHT HERE.
Make sure you like our Facebook Page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.
Want the latest breaking Las Vegas Raiders news delivered straight to your email for FREE? Sign up for the DAILY Raiders Nation newsletter when you CLICK THE FOLLOW button on the main page. Don't miss any of the latest up to the second updates for your Las Vegas Raiders when you follow on Twitter @HondoCarpenter
