Is it possible for the Las Vegas Raiders to win out? Breaking down the final six games
The good news for the Raiders: They will play four of the final six games this season at home.
The bad news: Most of their remaining opponents have a record above .500. That’s not to say the Raiders haven’t proved capable of beating winning teams.
Las Vegas picked up a win over the Seahawks this past Sunday with a 40-34 overtime victory. And the Raiders did it in a hostile environment in Seattle, where it’s constantly loud.
That was an impressive win for the Raiders, who hope to continue the momentum.
But now that’s in the rear-view mirror and some potentially tougher opponents are coming up.
We’ll take a look at those matchups, and if the Raiders can come out with a win.
How will the rest of the schedule shake out? Let’s dive in.
Dec. 4. vs. Los Angeles Chargers
The Raiders will need to wreak havoc on QB Justin Herbert and stop a running game led by Austin Ekeler. Games against the Chargers are always entertaining at Allegiant Stadium, but this should be a win. WIN
Dec. 8 at Los Angeles Rams
It’s unknown if QB Matthew Stafford will be back for this game, and All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald will be questionable because of an ankle injury. The Rams have been hit hard by injuries, and we think the Raiders can come out of SoFi with a “W.” WIN
Dec. 18 vs. New England Patriots
Reunion time for Raiders coach Josh McDaniels and Patriots coach Bill Belichick. Can McDaniels outcoach him? The Raiders’ momentum will carry over and get Las Vegas back to .500. WIN
Dec. 25 at Pittsburgh Steelers
No matter what the Steelers’ record will be by this point, it will be a very tough matchup. First, what will the weather be like? The running game could be a major key. It will be a close one, but we think the Raiders can safely escape. WIN
Jan. 1 vs. San Francisco 49ers
Maybe the 49ers will have nothing to play for by this time, but even then you got to figure key starters will go at least part of the way if they’re tuning up for the postseason. No way of telling how this game could go, based on a possible lack of motivation, but you can best believe there will be a lot of 49ers fans making noise. Raider Nation can also get loud at home. This is a big challenge, but ... WIN
Jan. 8 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Maybe the Chiefs will already have wrapped up homefield advantage. If that’s the case then the Chiefs will likely rest their starters.. TBD on what Andy Reid actually decides to do, but the Raiders could have far more on the line. WIN
