5 things Las Vegas Raiders fans should be thankful for in 2021
By Brad Weiss
![LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 26: Defensive end Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders is introduced before a game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Dolphins 31-28 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 26: Defensive end Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders is introduced before a game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Dolphins 31-28 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fjustblogbaby-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F08-2F1343094663-850x560-d7b85392b2e4cc7f0dee8dfd6b5903e7a7f5b1c0f4b125ab249b7f8bb85a6cee.jpg)
5 things Raiders fans should be thankful for in 2021
The Raiders hot start to the season
While it seems like so long ago, the Las Vegas Raiders were once considered one of the best teams in the NFL, and Derek Carr looked like an MVP candidate. The Silver and Black got out to a strong start to the 2021 campaign, reeling off three wins in a row, including a thriller in Week 1 against perennial playoff power, Baltimore.
After a two-game slide, the Raiders got it back together, winning two straight before the bye week. That would mean the Raiders would go into their road matchup with the New York Giants sporting a 5-2 record, and a real chance to put a stranglehold on a possible playoff berth.
Instead, the Raiders have fallen back to earth, losing three straight, and in real danger of going to 5-6, as they take on a tough Dallas Cowboys team on a short week. All we can do is be thankful for their hot start because if they did not stack wins early on in the season, they would be looking at a top-10 2022 NFL Draft pick right now.