Look out, Raider Nation. Don't freak out, but guess what? The Raiders are on pace to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Yep. The Silver and Black is back after a huge 26-24 win over the Los Angeles Chargers after Josh Jacobs scored from 18 yards out with just 1:02 to go in the game. At 5-4, and with a favorable schedule remaining, there is no reason the Raiders shouldn't make the playoffs.
The Raiders's schedule now consists of the winless Cincinnati Bengals (0-8), the horrible New York Jets (1-7) and the first place Kansas City Chiefs (6-3). Then, they take on the Tennessee Titans (4-5), Jacksonville Jaguars (4-5), Chargers (4-6) and close out with the Denver Broncos (3-6). The team only plays one opponent with a winning record and could legitimately finish 11-5, which should be enough in the AFC.
It's insane. Year Two of the second Jon Gruden era is moving fast, and — while not to get ahead of ourselves — the Raiders could roll into Las Vegas as one of the top picks to win a Super Bowl. Yes, the Raiders could make their Sin City debut as a championship favorite. The team could win a title in
its first season in Vegas, capturing whats the Golden Knights came so close to achieving in their first season.
The win was huge for the fans but also for the team, which has dealt with plenty of drama this season but has posted quality wins over the
Chicago Bears, the Indianapolis Colts and, now, the Chargers, who embarrassed NFC darling Green Bay just four days ago.
Quarterback Derek Carr was emotional after the win.
Rookie lineman and first round pick Clelin Ferrell has his best game as a pro, tallying eight tackles (five solo), 2.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, one pass defensed and three quarterback hits. He bolstered a defense that also frustrated future Hall of Famer Philip Rivers all night, including a 56-yard interception for a touchdown by safety Erik Harris.
Let that Raider pride flow, Raider Nation. This isn't a fluke, and — barring an epic meltdown — the Raiders should finish 11-5 and taste the postseason in the final season in O*kland. Hell, who knows? Maybe the Silver and Black will give the Bay Area one last storybook ending before it heads here to Sin City.
However this season ends, this team isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
