Fansided

10 reasons the Oakland Raiders could make the playoffs in 2015

By Luke Dahlgren

Oct 12, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders helmet on the turf during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders helmet on the turf during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) after his loss to the Indianapolis Colts in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts won 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) after his loss to the Indianapolis Colts in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts won 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Regression from the rest of the AFC West

The Raiders will also be aided by the possible regression of all three other teams in their division.

The Denver Broncos went out with a whimper in the playoffs, and the fact that quarterback Peyton Manning has lost some zip on his throws means teams could take advantage of the Broncos lack of speed.

The Kansas City Chiefs lag behind in any sort of passing offense, and teams are more comfortable keying in on running back Jamaal Charles when they play at Arrowhead.

The San Diego Chargers fizzled out down the stretch, and the team lacks any sort of consistent running attack. Philip Rivers has only a limited amount of offensive options to work with.

The Raiders may take advantage of their divisional situation and capitalize. They only need a wildcard spot, and the only direction the Raiders could move in their division is up.

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