3 games to keep an eye on for the Las Vegas Raiders slim playoff chances

Dec 17, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden watches game action against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden watches game action against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tua Tagovailoa can significantly help the Dolphins’ playoff chances on Sunday. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Tua Tagovailoa can significantly help the Dolphins’ playoff chances on Sunday. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins

This is where things start to get interesting, as the Miami Dolphins are currently ahead of the Raiders in the Wild Card race, and are sitting with an 8-5 record. Last season, the Dolphins ruined the Patriots’ chances of securing a first-round bye in the playoffs, and Bill Belichick would like nothing more than ruin Brian Flores’ magical run this year.

Anytime these two divisional rivals get together it is good football, and while the Patriots are down this season, it would not be a shocker if they went to South Beach and beat Tua Tagovailoa and company. Remember, Belichick hardly ever loses to a rookie quarterback, and in a lost season, they will be looking to make a statement or two down the stretch.

Miami heads to Las Vegas next week, and the Raiders would have a chance to tie them in the standings if Miami loses to New England, and Las Vegas can somehow beat them next weekend. Of course, this is a lot of ifs, but this is also the NFL, and anything can happen on any given Sunday.