Las Vegas Raiders 2021 playoff chances will gain clarity in Week 14
By Brad Weiss
Not only do the Las Vegas Raiders have to win in Week 14 against Kansas City, but teams ahead of them have tough tasks as well this weekend.
On Thursday night, the Las Vegas Raiders got a bit of help in terms of their playoff chances, as the Pittsburgh Steelers lost to the Minnesota Vikings. That vaulted the Silver and Black into the No. 10 spot in the AFC Playoffs, giving the fan base a small glimmer of hope that there is still a chance at postseason play.
Still, for the Raiders to actually make the playoffs for the first time since the 2016 season, they actually have to start taking care of business of their own. Had they not lost to the lowly New York Giants and Chicago Bears, they would be going into this weekend with an 8-4 record, and a chance to take over first place in the AFC West.
Also, had they won last weekend, a bad home loss to the Washington Football Team, they would have a more solid footing in the playoff race.
Raiders playoff chances will get clearer this weekend
First things first, the Raiders have to go into Arrowhead Stadium and beat the Chiefs, something that has been nearly impossible since Derek Carr became the starting quarterback. Sure, he won last year, but there were no fans in the stands, and playing in Kansas City on a sunny, 60-degree day is not really harshing the elements.
Then, some teams in front of them have to lose, and a few of them have some tough games ahead of them this weekend. The Cleveland Browns play host to the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo hits the road to take on Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while the Cincinnati Bengals have to hold serve at home against San Francisco.
While Los Angeles has an easy go against the Giants, and the Broncos should be able to beat the Lions, the Browns, Bills, and Bengals all could lose this weekend.
Sitting at 6-6 after a 5-2 start, the Raiders are once again faltering down the stretch, something that has been caused by issues on and off the field. They have not looked like a legitimate playoff team in some time, and a loss to the Chiefs this weekend could be the final nail in the coffin for their playoff hopes.
One domino has fallen, and hopefully, others will follow this weekend.