Las Vegas Raiders playoff chances take another hit Sunday night

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 04: Running back Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders takes the field prior to a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 04: Running back Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders takes the field prior to a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images) /
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The Las Vegas Raiders will need a miracle to make it to the playoffs this season, but sitting at 5-8, they still have an outside chance entering the final four games of the year.

On Thursday night, the Las Vegas Raiders did not do themselves any favors in terms of making it to the playoffs, losing to a Baker Mayfield-led Los Angeles Rams team. The Rams went into that game missing most of their stars, and had won only three games all season, but came back from a big deficit to beat the Raiders late.

On Sunday night, the Raiders playoff chances took another hit, as the Los Angeles Chargers were able to take care of business against the Miami Dolphins at home. The Chargers came into that game reeling after losing to the Las Vegas Raiders the last time out, but Justin Herbert played out of his mind, and the defense stymied Tua Tagovailoa all game long.

With that win, the playoff chances are nearly gone, but they have a way to get in if all the chips fall their way.

Raiders will need a miracle to close out the season

Going into the final four games of the season, the scenario will play out like this for the Silver and Black. First, they need to win all four of their matchups, games that include the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Then, the Patriots have to lose one more game, the Chargers and Jets two more, and the Raiders get in. Sounds easy enough right? The Raiders can take care of the Pats when they play them, but do the Jets and Chargers have two more losses left on their schedule?

The Silver and Black have been one of the more disappointing teams in the NFL this season, and while they have the talent to beat the final four teams on their schedule, it is not likely. This will go down as a season of “hows” and “what ifs,” and in the end, they will be on the outside looking in at another postseason.