Oakland Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers: 3 things we learned in Week 16

So you’re telling me there’s a chance

Amidst the offseason drama, the loss of players to injuries and suspensions, a daunting schedule, and finally a four-game losing streak, you would be lying to say you could have predicted that the Raiders would be competing for a playoff spot in Week 17. But it is a possibility, mathematically speaking of course.

Long story short, Oakland needed plenty to go their way on Sunday and all those parameters obliged, including a Raiders victory. And now, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter indicates, if these four games go the Raiders’ way in Week 17, the Silver and Black are in the postseason:

On the eye test alone, it is very possible that those four games could go exactly as needed. The Ravens (despite sitting starters), Texans, and Colts could very easily come out on top on Sunday, but like this week, none of that matters if the top priority isn’t achieved.

That of course, is the Raiders securing a win in their closing game of the season, on the road against the Denver Broncos. Oakland came out on top in week one, but that seems like ages ago and Denver has a new quarterback under center.

The Raiders cannot take this for granted, and to do the unthinkable and clinch a playoff berth, first and foremost they have to handle their business against their division rival.