The Las Vegas Raiders are 0-2 after losing two winnable games. Ever since the 12-team playoffs started, only 11.3 percent of teams that started 0-2 made the playoffs. The odds are against the Raiders as they have the 14th toughest remaining schedule, but the talent is there for them to make a potential run.
Raiders Blog: The Next 3 Matchups Could Decide The Season
It all starts with their next three games. This upcoming Sunday, the Raiders visit the fellow 0-2 Tennessee Titans. There are no easy games for these Raiders, but because of their struggles and injuries, the Titans are one of the “easier” opponents left on their schedule. Both teams can’t afford to start 0-3, but the pressure is higher on the Raiders. This is because of their division and remaining schedule. The key to this game will be stopping two players: running back Derrick Henry and defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons.
After battling it out in Nashville, the Raiders will go back home and host the Denver Broncos. The Broncos are 1-1 but are struggling in their own right. They lost to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1 and struggled to beat the second worst team from last year, the Houston Texans. Injuries have hurt the Broncos, and quarterback Russell Wilson hasn’t found his rhythm in the Broncos’ offense yet.
Then, before heading into the bye week, the Raiders go and visit the Kansas City Chiefs. To be straightforward, Patrick Mahomes has dominated the Raiders with a 7-1 career record. A primetime matchup against the Chiefs smells like a disaster, but if games were predetermined, they wouldn’t be played.
What needs to happen?
If the Raiders can go 2-1 in this stretch, it will be considered a win. A 2-1 record will happen if the Raider offense hits its stride and if the Raider defense can create some turnovers. Being 2-3 heading into the bye week would give the Raiders some confidence for the rest of the year. Head coach Josh McDaniels has a crucial stretch coming up for his team. Let’s see if he can get this team going.
Raiders Blog: Complete Collapse Craters Raiders In NFL Week 2
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*Top Photo: Las Vegas Sun