Will Derek Carr and the Raiders season finale against the Chargers be grand?
By CJ Errickson
The Las Vegas Raiders have defied the odds and have one last obstacle between them and the playoffs, division-rival Los Angeles Chargers.
After the Las Vegas Raiders have endured one of the most turbulent NFL seasons imaginable, Derek Carr and company have an opportunity to make the playoffs on the biggest stage. The Silver and Black will take on the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on NBC’s primetime matchup for Sunday Night Football.
The contest’s loser will be sent back to the drawing board for the offseason, while the victor will enter the playoffs. For Carr, this is a rare opportunity for him and the Raiders to make the playoffs for only the second time in his eight years with the organization.
2016 was the last time the Raiders made the playoffs, but 2021 can be their first proper appearance
Derek Carr and the then Oakland Raiders made the playoffs in a 2016 season where the team went on a tear. That season, the former Fresno State standout threw for 28 touchdowns and only 6 interceptions, leading the team to a 12-3 record.
Unfortunately, hope left the team as he suffered a season-ending injury in Week 16 to the Indianapolis Colts on Christmas Eve. The team still made the playoffs, but backup QB Connor Cook was the starter, and nothing became of the team’s lone playoff appearance since 2002.
This year, the team has the opportunity to defeat a division rival and (God-willing) have their starting signal-caller in the postseason with a victory this upcoming Sunday. Here are some key points of what the Las Vegas Raiders must do to be victorious this week.