The Oakland Raiders saved their 2017 NFL season when they managed to defeat their divisional rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs, 31-30 in what might go down as the most thrilling game of the year. Derek Carr, who had been hurt and out of sync with the offense, came up huge in a must-win game for Oakland as he managed to throw for 417 yards and three touchdowns.
During the middle of the game, Kansas City cornerback Marcus Peters hit Carr late after the play was over and was immediately confronted by several members on Oakland. Marshawn Lynch, who was not in on the play, came to break up some players before he grabbed an official. The running back was then tossed from the game for his behavior.
The NFL stated they were keeping their options open when deciding on how to punish Lynch, but according to Michael Signora of NFL, the league has decided to suspend Beast Mode for one game:
Marshawn Lynch suspended 1 game for unsportsmanlike conduct. pic.twitter.com/BmyCLpoo1w
— Michael Signora (@NFLfootballinfo) October 20, 2017
While losing Lynch for Week 8 hurts, the Raiders seemed to have found some success when using backups DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard during Week 7. Lynch has struggled mightily to establish the silver and black’s ground game, so a committee may be used instead going forward.
Now at 3-4, the Raiders are in a position to fight back into the playoff race. They hit the road for Week 8 with a tilt against a stout Buffalo Bills defense.
