NFL Playoff Prediction: Here’s What the Oakland Raiders Need to Happen to Appear in the Postseason

By Carlo Monzon
Oakland Raiders
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) smiles on the sideline with teammates during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Oakland Coliseum. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Oakland Raiders 23-21.  Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Following the recent loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, it seems the Oakland Raiders' road to the NFL Playoffs got a bit more complicated. But, since they're still one of the top teams in the AFC division, there are several scenarios that could push the Raiders to the postseason.

As of this moment, the Raiders are tied with the Chiefs at the No. 2 spot of the AFC with records 10-3. Leading the pack are the New England Patriots, who are sitting on a comfortable record of 11-2.

According to Sportsnaut, the Raiders are scheduled to take on the San Diego Chargers on December 18. The Raiders will probably be able to easily glide over this matchup since the Chargers have been rather disappointing this season. If the Raiders win against the Chargers, they'll be able to secure a playoff berth.

But, if San Diego somehow pulls an underdog victory over Oakland, the Raiders will still have a chance to be in the running for the playoffs.

If the Raiders tie against the Chargers, they can still clinch a playoff berth as long as the Miami Dolphins or Denver Broncos lose in their upcoming games. Another scenario involves the Dolphins and Broncos' gamed ending in a tie.

But, if only the Miami game results in a tie, then the Raiders can still clinch a berth as long as the Chiefs lose in their next game.

These scenarios sound simple enough, but things can get more complicated if the Raiders lose to the Chargers. If this happens then they would need the Pittsburgh Steelers to lose or tie and the Broncos to lose to make it to the playoffs. The same situation also applies of the Chiefs either secure a win or a tie or if the Baltimore Ravens end up in the same scenario, according to Mercury News.

In total, the Oakland Raiders have nine different scenarios that could help them reach the finals, which are certainly more than what the Chiefs or the Patriots need.

But then again, the Raiders might no longer need to rely on these options if they manage to win their last three games. Aside from the Chargers, the Oakland squad is slated to face the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos. Given the way these teams have been playing this season, it's probably safe to say that the Raiders have a relatively easy schedule ahead of them.

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