The only tangible thing that is at stake for the Raiders in their season finale against the Broncos is draft position. Yeah, there’s pride and bragging rights, yada yada yada, but that’s about it. So, let’s just set that aside for now as I don’t expect any Raiders fan to actively root for their team to lose just to improve their draft position.
Currently their range is 8-14. Which is to say, should they lose, they could draft as high as 8th and should they win they could draft as low at 14th.
By the time the Raiders game goes final, we should know the results of all the other games. And due to the different scenarios, the preferred results can flip entirely.
So, in the interest of covering our bases here, let’s look at the best case scenarios either way.
All times are Pacific
With a Raiders win
10am Saints (8-8) over Falcons (7-9)
Hard to say if the Saints are for real. They’ve won three of their last four, including a big win over the Buccaneers. Then again the other two wins were over terrible Panthers and Giants teams. Both these teams are still fighting for a shot at the playoffs, so expect them to leave it all on the field.
10am Vikings (7-9) over Lions (11-5)
This one seems like a fat chance situation. The Vikings are in a nosedive, losing five of their last six and are facing a Lions team still holding out hope of grabbing the two seed.
1:25pm Packers (8-8) over Bears (7-9)
The Packers have won two straight, but both wins were against bad Panthers and Vikings teams.
Best case scenario: 11th overall. 12th if the Vikings lose.
With a Raiders loss
10am NYJets (6-10) over Patriots (4-12)
The Jets have a good chance of beating the Patriots.
10am Falcons (7-9) over Saints (8-8)
Yes, the preferred result for this game flips if the Raiders end up losing. The Falcons have proven capable of beating the Saints as they have beaten them already this season.
1:25pm Bears (7-9) over Packers (8-8)
Once again, if the Raiders lose, they would be better off with the opposite result. The Bears have won two straight games and four of their last five, including a win over the Lions.
Best case scenario: 8th overall pick.