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5 reasons why the Raiders can make the playoffs

By Thomas Wheaton

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 18: Former head coach of the Oakland Raiders and now ESPN Monday Night Football Analyst Jon Gruden looks on during pre-game warm ups before an NFL football game between the New Orleans Saints and Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum on November 18, 2012 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 18: Former head coach of the Oakland Raiders and now ESPN Monday Night Football Analyst Jon Gruden looks on during pre-game warm ups before an NFL football game between the New Orleans Saints and Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum on November 18, 2012 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 31: Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers avoids the tackle from James Cowser #47 of the Oakland Raiders during the second half of the game at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 31: Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers avoids the tackle from James Cowser #47 of the Oakland Raiders during the second half of the game at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /

3. Division is up for the taking

The AFC West has featured some pretty good teams in recent years. The Broncos were a powerhouse, and won the Super Bowl under Peyton Manning. The Chiefs seemed to always have the Raiders number and won the division the last two years. But the AFC West seems pretty open this season as things have really shifted.

The Chiefs traded Alex Smith and will trust second year quarterback Patrick Mahomes to fill in. The Broncos “think” they solved their quarterback conundrum by signing Case Keenum, but I don’t believe Keenum is anything special. The Chargers are scary, their defense is really good and they really hit their stride last season, but injuries have derailed them in recent years.

It is hard to say who the favorite is to win the division. According to some the Chargers are the early favorites, but there is still a lot of time between now and the start of the season. To me, any team has a legitimate chance at winning the division. So why not the Raiders?

They have a franchise quarterback with some talented skill position players around him. The defense should be much improved from last year, knock on wood. The Raiders could win the division next season, especially since both the Chiefs and Broncos took a step back.

If they take care of business outside of the division, the Raiders will be in the conversation for a playoff spot come December.

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