The Las Vegas Raiders surrendered any control they had of making the playoffs by losing four out of their last five games.
For the second season in a row, the Raiders have suffered a major collapse in the second half of the year under head coach Jon Gruden. Mounting setbacks with coronavirus (COVID-19) and the recent injury to quarterback Derek Carr have now all but sealed their fate.
Their pivotal loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday has essentially eliminated any hope they had of seizing a potential spot in the postseason. However, it appears there is still a small sliver of hope that remains.
According to Vic Tafur of the Athletic, the Raiders still have a one percent chance of making the playoffs:
Titans’ win essentially kills Raiders’ playoff chances, for those holding out hope. Odds now at 1 percent.
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) December 20, 2020
The Raiders went 6-3 to start the season before their slump began. It almost mirrors the meltdown they suffered last year after losing five of their final six games following a 6-4 start.
Now at 7-7, the Raiders are currently slotted behind the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins, who are both 8-5. Meanwhile, The Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans are well in the picture at 10-4.
The prospect of Las Vegas somehow squeaking their way into the playoffs with two games left in the season is certainly far-fetched. Regardless, it is safe to assume that Gruden is adamant about this team doing all they can to end things on a high note.
Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota managed to provide a silver lining with his performance during the 30-27 overtime loss to the Chargers. He did a solid job of filling in for the injured Carr by throwing for 226 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. He also rushed for a game-high 88 yards and another touchdown.
The Raiders must first do their part by finding a way to win out against the Dolphins and Denver Broncos. They also need to hold out hope that the Dolphins and Ravens lose their raining two games in order to find their way into the postseason.
