Fansided

Las Vegas Raiders 2021 NFL schedule: 5 must-win games

By Russell S. Baxter

DENVER, COLORADO - JANUARY 03: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Las Vegas Raiders watches as his team plays the Denver Broncos in the second quarter at Empower Field At Mile High on January 03, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - JANUARY 03: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Las Vegas Raiders watches as his team plays the Denver Broncos in the second quarter at Empower Field At Mile High on January 03, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 26: Myles Gaskin #37 of the Miami Dolphins reacts as he is hit by Nevin Lawson #26 and Kyle Wilber #58 of the Las Vegas Raiders during a 26-25 Dolphins win at Allegiant Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 26: Myles Gaskin #37 of the Miami Dolphins reacts as he is hit by Nevin Lawson #26 and Kyle Wilber #58 of the Las Vegas Raiders during a 26-25 Dolphins win at Allegiant Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

2. vs. Miami Dolphins

It was one of the more thrilling games of 2020, highlighted by a fourth quarter which saw the two teams combine for 22 points in the final 4:01 of a Saturday night tilt. The Raiders were in the midst of a three-game home stand and would be playing in prime time for the second straight week.

After losses to the Colts and Chargers, the latter on a Thursday night in overtime, the Raiders had some extra time for Derek Carr to heal and to prepare for a much-improved Dolphins’ club. Both clubs still had playoff aspirations entering this contest but that would end for one of these teams.

Daniel Carlson’s 22-yard field goal with 22 seconds to play gave the home team a 25-23 lead. But then came some amazing heroics from Dolphins’ quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Not only did he complete a 34-yard pass to Mack Hollins, the Raiders were flagged for roughing the passer. It led to a 44-yard field goal and Las Vegas fell, 26-25.

Cleveland and Indianapolis finished 11-5 and reached the playoffs. Meanwhile, Brian Flores’ club posted a 10-6 mark and missed the postseason. All three of these teams figure to be in contention again, which is why these games may be so important to Gruden and company.

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