That stage has been set. Raiders vs Chargers. Win and you’re in. Lose and you’re out. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.
There was a chance this game wouldn’t have been for the Raiders’ playoff lives. And it came as close as it could have possibly come to this game not holding the stakes that it holds.
What we knew coming into today was that should the Steelers and Colts both lose, the Raiders would have their playoff ticket punched before ever taking the field. The Colts indeed lost to the Jaguars — a scenario that seemed highly unlikely not long ago.
From there it came down to the Steelers vs Ravens. We all watched in anticipation because if the Ravens pulled out the win, the Raiders were in. At that point, they would simply be playing to knock the Chargers out and raise their own playoff seeding.
The Ravens and Steelers went to overtime, just to add to the suspense. But in the end, the Steelers pulled it out, setting up the Sunday Night game between the Raiders and Chargers to decide the final playoff spot.
With the tributes to John Madden surrounding the stadium and Madden’s family set to light the Al Davis Torch, Allegiant Stadium is buzzing.
In so many ways, this game is big for the Raiders. They needed to win three straight games coming in to even be in the position right now where they could get in. Had they lost any of the last three, they’d be playing for pride right now.
Playing for pride into the season finale is something the Raiders are downright sick of. They’ve made the playoffs just once since 2002; which is approaching two decades now.
It was always going to come down to beating a division rival. That’s how the NFL has set it up, ensuring that each team plays a division foe in the season finale. But that it’s the Chargers, adds another element to this.
The Raiders’ success this season is due in large part to the former Chargers players and coaches they acquired last offseason.
Gus Bradley came over as Defensive Coordinator, bringing along with him several of his Chargers defensive staff as well.
Bradley’s arrival had a few of his defenders from LA join him. In particular guys like Casey Hayward and Denzel Perryman.
Hayward is the team’s best defensive back and Perryman went to the Pro Bowl this season as the league’s top tackler.
Other former Chargers include CB Brandon Facyson, DT Darius Philon, DT Damion Square. DB Roderic Teamer, and WR/RS Tyron Johnson.
You can bet they want badly to show their former team they made a mistake in letting them leave and there would be no better way to do that than to send them home while continuing on to the playoffs with their new squad.
Hayward was among four Raiders who were Questionable for the game along with TE Darren Waller, RB Josh Jacobs, and DT Johnathan Hankins. And all four are playing.
Waller is the key name there as he makes his return after missing the past five weeks with knee and back injuries and then being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. No better time to get him back than for this game.
The Chargers are as healthy as they come, fielding a team that looks almost identical to their week one lineup. So, the Raiders will be getting their best.
It all comes down to this. For the chance at the dance. Buckle up, everyone. Let’s go.
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