Oakland Raiders: Taking A Closer Look At The AFC Playoff Picture

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - NOVEMBER 19: A Oakland Raiders fan tailgates prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Estadio Azteca on November 19, 2017 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - NOVEMBER 19: A Oakland Raiders fan tailgates prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Estadio Azteca on November 19, 2017 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 11
Next
Oakland Raiders
ARLINGTON, TX – NOVEMBER 23: Philip Rivers /

Los Angeles Chargers (5-6)

Remaining Schedule: Cleveland Browns, Washington Redskins, @Kansas City Chiefs, @New York Jets, Oakland Raiders

Oakland’s division rival posted a convincing 28-6 road win against the Cowboys on Thanksgiving day to move to 5-6, moving into second place in the AFC West. At least, for the moment.

The game though, lost a bit of its shine given the absence of Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott, which seems to have hamstrung Dak Prescott.

Live Feed

Khalil Mack blatantly calls out Chargers teammates after Broncos loss
Khalil Mack blatantly calls out Chargers teammates after Broncos loss /

Bolt Beat

  • Khalil Mack's record-setting 2023 for Chargers nearly never happened Bolt Beat
  • Khalil Mack carries Chargers to snooze fest win over Patriots Bolt Beat
  • Chargers news: Keenan Allen injury, Khalil Mack award, Josh Palmer injury update Bolt Beat
  • Chargers LB Joey Bosa carted off the field in Week 11. Out vs. Ravens? Ebony Bird
  • Deshaun Watson and the 5 worst contracts in the NFL right now FanSided
  • But still, credit where credit is due — the Chargers took care of business and came away with an important win on the road on a national stage.

    After an 0-4 start, the Chargers have really been coming on, winning five of their last seven – including a tight game over the Raiders back in Week Six.

    The Chargers have been streaky this season. And as seems standard with LA, beset by injuries. But, they’re still a tough out. With Philip Rivers under center, you can’t count the Chargers out.

    Their defense gives up a lot of yards, but only the eighth most points in the entire league. They have a bend but don’t break mentality and an opportunistic defense that’s collected a dozen interceptions this season – among the league leaders in that category.

    They have a running back in Melvin Gordon that opposing defenses have to respect just enough to allow Rivers to do his thing in slinging the ball all over the field. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t. But, when Los Angeles’ offense is clicking, it’s sometimes hard to stop.

    Their final six is a mixed bag of teams, most of whom, will be fighting for playoff spots. So, they can’t expect the road ahead to be easy. They should have a pair of wins over Cleveland and the Jets to look forward to, but the other three? It’s anybody’s guess.

    Predicted Finish: 8-8