NFL playoffs: 5 reasons the Oakland Raiders will make it

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Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrate after combining on a touchdown pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

5. The Kansas City Chiefs

Unfortunately, if the Raiders want to make the postseason, their destiny is not in their own hands. Their fate depends on other AFC teams dropping the ball.

While the Kansas City Chiefs have managed to turn their season around after a horrendous start, but at 6-5, they are not far ahead of the Raiders. The Raiders play the Chiefs on December 6 in Week 13 and again in the final week of the season. Raiders victories in those games would greatly help their playoff chances.

Week 14 brings a battle against the Broncos. A victory in Denver would reignite their hopes for a playoff berth going into the final three games of the season against the Packers, Chargers, and Chiefs.

Poor performance from other teams could also help the Raiders cause. The AFC South was the laughing-stock of the NFL until recently. Suddenly, both the Indianapolis Colts and the Houston Texans have winning records, and both teams are in playoff contention. Either team could collapse, opening up a slot for the Oakland Raiders.

The Raiders have played some good football this season, but most of their victories have been against lower-tier teams:

Ravens (4-7)

Browns (2-9)

Chargers (3-8)

Jets (6-5)

Titans (2-9)

The Raiders will need to show they can compete against stronger teams if they want to see postseason play. Victories against the Chiefs, Broncos, and Packers would show that the Raiders deserve a spot in the playoffs.

Next: 4. Jack Del Rio

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