It all comes down to the final four games of the season for the Las Vegas Raiders
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Let s be honest here.
The verdict is in on what it will take for the
Raiders to make the playoffs in 2020- and the odds aren t particularly good. The Raiders currently stand at 40% odds of making the playoffs. And between their loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and their blowout loss to the Atlanta Falcons, the chances are dwindling by the day.
Now, it is being reported that the Raiders can only afford to lose one more game, and it can t come against the Indianapolis Colts or the Miami Dolphins. If the Raiders lose to either of those teams, they will be kicked out of the wildcard picture and the playoffs. However, if they win those two games, they might end up being the favorite to take a wild card spot.
Losing to the Atlanta Falcons and almost losing to the New York Jets is embarrassing. Furthermore, it is a strong signal that this team struggles on both sides of the ball. Why else would Carr choke during the game against the Falcons? How else could the defense have given up so many points throughout the game?
And then there was their near loss to the Jets. Not only did Carr throw an interception during the game, but they also fumbled the ball as well. Of course, Carr was able to throw the game-winning touchdown and save his team from another embarrassing loss, but they shouldn t have been there, to begin with.
Unfortunately for the Raiders, this means they are going to lose against the Colts on Sunday. The game could be close but expect the Colts fully functioning offense to take advantage of Carr s mistakes.
As for the next game against the Chargers, the Raiders should come away with a victory in this one. Due to Justin Herbert making mistakes or just the Raiders having a better defense, expect them to win here. This puts the Raiders at 7-6 with one more wildcard opponent on the schedule.
When it comes to the Dolphins though, it feels like a very real possibility that Tua Tagovailoa could outgun Derek Carr here. Either that or the Dolphins' defense could easily force Carr into making critical mistakes that will cost them the game. That s why it s safe to assume that the Raiders come out with a loss in this one as well.
And just like that, the Raiders have no chance of a playoff spot heading into the final week of the year. Beyond that, their likely win against the Denver Broncos will be bittersweet compared to what they could have had in the playoffs. This isn't the answer everyone wants to hear, but it is the one they need to know before they get their hopes up about being champions again.