There are only three games left in the 2021 season and yet, the Raiders find themselves right in the mix of things in the AFC.
Sitting at 7-7, the Raiders (probably) need to win their final three games to make the playoffs. But given that two of their final three games are at home and against divisional opponents, it’s certainly not impossible that they could go on a run.
But in order for the Raiders to make the playoffs, they are going to need a little bit of help. Using the New York Times playoff simulator, here are all the games and outcomes that would most benefit the Raiders in Week 16:
49ers over Titans
Packers over Browns
Ravens over Bengals
Patriots over Bills
Chiefs over Steelers
Saints over Dolphins
If all of these scenarios play out and the Raiders can get a win, their playoff odds will increase to about 40 percent. Considering where the Raiders were just a few days ago, that is a pretty significant increase.
Even if a few of these games go in the other direction, the Raiders will still have around a 33 percent chance to make the playoffs if they win in Denver. However, a loss would essentially end their playoff hopes.
Needless to say, they need to get a win against the Broncos and hope for some help in Week 16.
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