Fansided

3 reasons the Raiders win the AFC West

By Scott Rogust

DENVER, COLORADO - OCTOBER 17: Josh Jacobs #28 and Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrate during the second half against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on October 17, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - OCTOBER 17: Josh Jacobs #28 and Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrate during the second half against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on October 17, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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Oct 17, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Las Vegas Raiders interim head coach Rich Bisaccia reacts to a play in the second half against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Las Vegas Raiders interim head coach Rich Bisaccia reacts to a play in the second half against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

The Las Vegas Raiders have the chance to win the AFC West title for the first time since 2002. Here are three seasons why.

The Las Vegas Raiders looked like they were the favorites to win the AFC West after a 3-0 start, but then fell back down to Earth by dropping their next two games. Yet, the Raiders are officially on a two-game winning streak as of Sunday.

Las Vegas is now 5-2 on the season following their dominant 33-22 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. With that, they are now hold sole possession of first-place in the division entering the bye week. The Raiders looked like favorites to win the AFC West earlier this season prior to their skid, but what makes this time different?

Here are three reasons why the Raiders can win the AFC West

3. Playing inspired football under interim head coach Rich Bisaccia

The Raiders were in the national spotlight not for their play on the field, but for the actions and words of former head coach Jon Gruden. Multiple reports indicated that Gruden, during his time with ESPN, sent emails containing racist, sexist and homophobic language. Immediately after the bombshell report by the New York Times, Gruden resigned as head coach of the Raiders.

The Raiders had to pick someone to coach the team on an interim basis. That person was special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia, and through two games leading the sidelines, the Raiders are playing very inspired football.

In his head coaching debut, the Raiders earned a 34-24 victory over the rival Denver Broncos, where they held a lead as high as 31-10 towards the end of the third quarter. This Sunday, the Raiders at one point carried a 30-7 lead over the Eagles midway through the third.

Yes, neither the Broncos or Eagles are the strongest of opponents. But the Raiders have been relentless, especially on offense. They are scoring at will. If the Raiders can keep putting up these performances on a weekly basis, they can win the division.

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