
Oakland’s playoff chances ride heavily on this game.
Simply put, this one ultimately comes down to who wants it more. Which team has desperation on their side? That would easily be the Raiders. While New England has a two-game cushion on the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East, Oakland is two games back of the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West.
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Since the Raiders will have to go presumably either 5-2 or possibly 6-1 the rest of the way to make the playoffs, it starts on Sunday by getting it done versus New England. The last time the Raiders played a certain elimination game this season, the Silver and Black came out on top. That was back in Week 7 and that was at home versus the arch rival Chiefs on Thursday Night Football.
It might have only been a one-point victory for the Raiders, but a win is a win. The sense of urgency for a win on Sunday is very prominent for Raider Nation. This team is running out of opportunities to squeak back into the playoffs.
Next: Raiders: 5 keys to victory vs. Patriots
Though this team has clearly underperformed all year, maybe the Raiders did find themselves on the Week 10 bye? Well, let’s hope so, but it will take the Raiders’ best game and several miscues by the Patriots for the Silver and Black to get an upset victory. Though not overly realistic, it is possible that the Raiders get it done on Sunday afternoon in Estadio Azteca.