Raiders who will play crucial role in making playoffs

At 4-7, the Las Vegas Raiders are bouncing back from a horrid start to their season. Can they make a run at the postseason?

It’s incredible how quickly the Silver and Black season has turned around. At one point, the team was in the midst of a three-game losing streak, which led to much finger-pointing. Owner Mark Davis had to come out and publicly express his support for head coach Josh McDaniels, making it known the besieged coach wasn’t going anywhere.

The team was also shut out by the New Orleans Saints in a bit of a revenge game for ex-Raiders coach Dennis Allen.

If that wasn’t terrible enough, the terrible and unlucky play of the Raiders finally broke quarterback Derek Carr. Then, like a Christmas miracle, the tide turned. Coming off of two straight walk-off wins, the Raiders suddenly believed again.

Well, at least that’s how it appeared to fans on the outside. Believe it or not, the playoffs are still a possibility despite a season filled with so much drama. To make the postseason a reality, the Raiders will continue to rely on the connection between Carr and superstar wide receiver Davante Adams.

There are a few players who are going to play a pivotal role in the next few games who are not named Carr, Adams, or even Maxx Crosby. Those names are “gimmies,” and the Raiders will need performances by others than the big trio.

Let’s take a look at five players who will either need to continue doing what they’ve been doing or, perhaps, will need a huge game.