To have a realistic shot at their division crown, Raiders need to go 3-1 rest of the way and must win in Kansas City.
Raiders’ road to AFC West title is in their own hands — but for starters, they’ll have to overcome a long stretch of misery in Missouri
The Raiders not only control their own destiny to win the AFC West, they don’t even need to win the rest of their games to steal the crown.
Oakland can still finish tops in the division going 3-1 in its last four games, finishing 9-7 overall. But it can only afford a loss to either the Cowboys next weekend or the Eagles on Christmas. To keep their realistic hopes of securing a home playoff game alive, the Raiders need to win at Arrowhead on Sunday.
Oakland hasn’t won at Arrowhead since 2012, and Derek Carr has struggled mightily in his three losses visiting the Chiefs. Asked Wednesday where winning at Arrowhead ranks on his career priorities list, Carr didn’t hesitate.
“Number one,” the Raiders’ quarterback said. “Definitely number one right now, especially this week. It’s definitely up there. It’s something that we have not been able to do since I’ve been here. We have to get on that.”
Oakland owns the hardest remaining schedule of the trio of teams tied at 6-6 in the division. After hosting the Raiders, Kansas City hosts the Chargers, hosts the Dolphins and visits the Broncos. Before hosting the Raiders in Week 17, the Chargers host Washington, visit the Chiefs and visit the Jets.
Oakland gets a Dallas team on the rise, though it still won’t have star running back Ezekiel Elliott next weekend. Then the Raiders visit arguably the best team in football, one that assuredly will play its starters with home-field advantage likely still on the line.
Facing Carson Wentz and the Philadelphia Eagles when they’re trying to lock up the No. 1 seed doesn’t sound pleasant for the Raiders, making this weekend’s game in Kansas City all the more pivotal.
Four things to watch WILL AMARI COOPER PLAY? >>
Cooper didn’t practice this week until Friday, when he participated in a limited capacity. He’s officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s game with an ankle injury. Who knows if the Raiders have already decided Cooper won’t play and are simply toying with Kansas City’s game planning; Jack Del Rio wouldn’t tip his hand Friday. Cooper racked up 11 catches for 210 yards and
two touchdowns last time the two teams played. HOW MUCH WILL MARCUS PETERS’ ABSENCE HURT
CHIEFS? >> Kansas City’s defense has already been terrible lately, so losing their top cornerback certainly doesn’t help. Andy Reid suspended the Oakland native after his antics last weekend in a 38-31 loss to the Jets. His absence may be maximized if Cooper is able to play - and be effective on the left ankle.
CAN BEAST MODE KEEP ROLLING? >> Coming off his best game of the season, Marshawn Lynch faces the 30th-best run defense in the league on Sunday. The Chiefs allow 129.4 rushing yards per game, and Lynch is fresh off a 17-rush, 101-yard, one-touchdown showing against the 32ndranked run defense of the Giants. CAN RAIDERS CONTAIN TYREEK HILL? >> Last time the two teams played, the speedy receiver caught six passes for 125 yards and a touchdown. That included a 64-yard score from Alex Smith after burning Sean Smith down the sideline. Asked this week how to defend Hill, John Pagano said, “Pray. Pray a lot.”