Raiders need three straight wins to secure a playoff spot
Las Vegas faces the 49ers, Seahawks, and Broncos next, a stretch of games that will determine if their season continues.
By Sofia Ramirez ·
The Las Vegas Raiders have entered a decisive three-week stretch that will likely determine their fate in the NFL postseason race.
After snapping a four-game losing streak with a 38-33 comeback victory over the New York Jets on Sunday, the Raiders returned to a .500 record. Coach Klint Kubiak stated last week that the team remains in the hunt for a playoff berth, a sentiment that gains weight after the win.
The upcoming schedule is demanding. The Raiders will travel to San Francisco to face the 49ers on Sunday. They will then host the Seattle Seahawks and finish the stretch at the Denver Broncos. These three opponents hold a combined record of 16-7.
The stakes are high given the math involved. If Las Vegas wins all three games, they will reach a 7-4 record. Since the playoff field expanded to 14 teams in 2020, 23 of the 27 teams with that record have made the postseason. Fewer wins significantly lowers their chances. Only 11 of 29 teams at 6-5 have advanced, while just three of 30 teams at 4-7 have done so.
Cornerback Eric Stokes described the upcoming games as the type of November football the team wants to play. He noted that being 4-4 keeps everything in their power. Left tackle Kolton Miller added that November is when teams either improve or fall off, requiring them to focus on winning week to week.
The immediate challenge is the San Francisco 49ers, who are 9.5-point favorites over the Raiders. The 49ers currently hold a 6-1 record. A loss would complicate the Raiders' outlook further, as they are currently rebuilding around quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick this year.
Mendoza has made only one appearance this season. Starter Kirk Cousins is second in the NFL with 19 touchdown passes. The Raiders rank sixth in points per game with 27.6. Owner Mark Davis told CNBC that keeping Cousins in the starting role allows Mendoza to learn the professional game without the pressure of immediate performance.
Second-year cornerback Darien Porter, who suffered a groin injury against the Jets, did not practice on Wednesday. He shares the position with rookies Hezekiah Masses and Jermod McCoy. Defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway, who has a stinger, was not placed on the injury report.
