JBB Staff Column: Five Questions on the Oakland Raiders
2. Will the Raiders 13-year playoff drought end in 2016? If so, via wildcard or by winning the division?
Blackhanside: The Raiders squeak into the playoffs by way of wildcard.
Brazy: Yes, they will win the division.
Dylan: With the Pats, Steelers, Texans, and Chiefs winning their respective divisions, that leaves two spots for the Bengals, Broncos, Colts, Raiders, and an up-and-coming Jaguars team.
The Bengals are a near-lock, so we could be looking at a Week 17 matchup between the Raiders and Broncos — winner takes the Wild Card.
Justin: Yes, via wildcard. I believe the Broncos can win the division with their running game and defense, and that Paxton Lynch will start sooner than later and play well. I believe the Raiders will finish second in the division, tied with KC, at 10-6.
Nick: Yes. The division will be tough, with three teams battling for top dog. Oakland is close, but still unproven. I think they’ll do enough to earn a wildcard berth.
Seth: Yes, via wildcard.
Tyler D.: I think if the season flows the Raiders way and they go10-6, they’ll win the division and play a wildcard team at home.
Tyler R.: The 13-year playoff drought will end this season — whether by division title or wildcard, I’m not sure. As seen last night, Denver still has a very scary defense, and a compatible flow of offensive play calling and execution that will not hurt them to the point of throwing them out of playoff contention.
In a 10-6 scenario, the division title could very well come down to the Week 17 showdown in Denver. Oakland will win that contest, and finally host a playoff game for the first time since 2003.
Next: Raiders Question #3: Playoff run?