Oakland Raiders Week 13 Primer: Chiefs Week
Dec 14, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Frank Zombo (51) recovers a fumble by Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 31-13. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Just Blog Baby columnist Rory Anderson breaks down the Oakland Raiders Week 13 storylines ahead of Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
A consistent theme we have heard from the Raider coaching staff and players, is going 1-0 every week. The playoffs started fro the Raiders last week with their victory over the Tennessee Titans and they must treat every week as an elimination game. The issues that plagued the Raiders through their three-game skid still popped up during their latest victory, but the team beat a lesser team on the road when they were supposed to. Now, the Raiders welcome an old enemy into their house.
Playoffs?
I am not one for hyperbole, but the Raiders are in a position to put themselves into a playoff spot. With the Chiefs coming to Oakland off of a five game win streak, the Raiders have an opportunity to even up their record with Kansas City and hold a tie breaker over them as well. It is a long shot to make the playoffs with the Jets, Texans, Steelers, and Bills also in the mix. The target for wins needs to be nine which means the Raiders can only afford to drop one game to end the season, and that may be pushing it.
After the Chiefs this week, the Raiders will also be slated to face the Packers, Chargers, Broncos, and Chiefs once again. That is three division rivals and one very talented NFC North juggernaut on the docket. Is it realistic for the Raiders to topple all five opponents? Four? Three? In terms of what the Raiders can do, yes they can win every game on the slate. All of these teams have flaws despite their talent. Does that mean its likely the Raiders pull it off? I doubt it, but it never hurts to have hope, and for the first time in a long time, the Raiders have given their fans a reason to hope. A true belief that this team is finally putting it all together and will finally mean something.
For what it is worth, I think the Raiders pull off three more victories this season and end the season 8-8. Based on my expectations of a six win season, that’s a great outcome. What will be most exciting, is talking about a meaningful game for the Raiders late in the season especially Christmas Eve against the Chargers.
Next: Week 13 Primer: Victorious in Tennessee