There was a chance the Raiders would be knocked out of the playoffs before they took the field for their season finale in Denver. The first hurdle in their convoluted playoff scenario was to be decided in the early games. That scenario is probably the easiest. It only required that one of four teams win their game. Meaning only if all four of these teams lost would the Raiders be out of contention before they took the field.
The four teams were the Patriots, Chargers, Bears, and Lions. Only one needed to win to keep the Raiders playoff hopes alive when they kick off Sunday afternoon.
With 30 minutes until kickoff in Denver, the Bears hit the game-winning field goal in Minnesota to beat the Vikings 21-19 and ensure the Raiders would be playing for something other than pride.
That leaves four more games that need to go a certain way for the Raiders to get in. First and foremost, they must beat the Broncos. They will also need help from the Texans and Ravens, both of whom are expected to rest their starters, and the Colts. So, it will still be a tough path to a playoff berth, but anything is possible.
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