What qualifies as a success in the NFL?Is it a lovable loser finally making the playoffs for the first time in 11 years (The Detroit Lions)? Is it an unorthodox quarterback revitalizing a moribund franchise and becoming the most polarizing figure in sports (Tim Tebow)? Or is hoisting the Lombardi Trophy after the season’s final game the only true measure of success in the NFL? Some might argue that every season ends with 31 teams failing, but I don’t. If you would have told me in August the Oakland Raiders would have a shot at the AFC West title in ...
While not all teams have been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, there are a few playoff hopefuls who don't stand a chance at cracking the postseason.Some teams control their own destiny, but being in must-win games hasn't equated to victories thus far and won't do so in Week 17.Here are three playoff hopefuls who'll be watching the postseason from the comfort of their homes.Oakland Raiders vs. San Diego ChargersThe Raiders have lost three of their last four, taking them from an inevitable playoff team to being on the brink of elimination.The Raiders would not only need to knock off Philip ...
I don't want to go through all of the crazy arithmetic that is the AFC playoff picture this year.So I'll just say that the Oakland Raiders are likely to get in the playoffs if they beat the San Diego Chargers on Sunday.That makes it the biggest game the Raiders have played in since the Super Bowl in 2002. In order for the Raiders to get this one done on Sunday, a few players are going to have to step up their games.Turn the page to see who they are.Begin Slideshow
In the very near future, the Oakland Athletics will be packing up and moving to San Jose.Well, maybe.Actually, maybe not.The A's have been dancing around a possible exodus to San Jose for a while now, but the move seems to have fallen into a weird purgatory-like state where it is still within reason but far from reality.The San Francisco Giants would prefer that things stay this way. After all, San Jose is technically part of their turf.The ins and outs of the A's move (or non-move) to San Jose are detailed in a lengthy piece in the San Francisco Chronicle penned ...
In Week 17 of the regular season, the Oakland Raiders’ will and the San Diego Chargers’ heart will be on full display. Oakland can earn a playoff berth with a win and some help, but they don’t need that much help. Taking out the Chargers is their greatest obstacle and, even with the fiery Philip Rivers leading the way, San Diego may not have enough fuel to finish strong with the offseason in sight. Where: Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA When: Sunday, Jan. 1 at 4:15 p.m. EST Watch: CBS Spread: Oakland by -3, according to Accuscore.com. Oakland defeated the ...
Baseball history has seldom seen a series of pocket pickings as disgraceful as the A’s recent trades of Gio Gonzalez, Trevor Cahill and Andrew Bailey. Were David Stern at the head of MLB and not the ever-cautious Bud Selig, the trades would never have been allowed. At one time the A’s, under Billy Beane’s "moneyball" scheme, acquired solid but undervalued major leaguers at bargain-basement rates. Now they trade their best players and get no major leaguers at all.Expect a once-loyal fan base to continue to desert the team next year as the team’s ownership, headed by Lew Wolff, continues to ...
As the Raiders prepare to meet the San Diego Chargers on Sunday in what will be the organization's most important game in almost 10 years, the team is getting uncharacteristically welcome news from the injury report.Oakland has been decimated with injuries this season, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, starting with QB Jason Campbell and extending to RB Darren McFadden, as well as wide receivers Denarius Moore and Jacoby Ford.The Raiders' defensive backfield has also been hit hard, with safety Michael Huff.Now, with a win over San Diego and a loss by the Denver Broncos meaning the AFC ...
It all comes down to this. One game. One weekend. One AFC West division title.The Oakland Raiders have one chance and one chance only to earn their first playoff berth since 2002. All that stands in their way is the San Diego Chargers, this Sunday, at home at the Oakland Coliseum.Oh, and the Denver Broncos.There are a handful of scenarios that can unfold this weekend, with the end result being either the Broncos or the Raiders coming out on top of the AFC West. If the Raiders win and the Broncos lose, Oakland will win the division and claim the ...
Oh, the irony.After being traded from the Cincinnati Bengals to the Oakland Raiders early this season, quarterback Carson Palmer has a chance in Week 17 to wrestle the AFC's No. 6 seed away from the Bengals and send them home unhappy.It's entirely possible and, in my mind, likely.The Bengals could easily lose to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17, while the Raiders have a good shot at beating the inconsistent San Diego Chargers. I also expect the Denver Broncos to beat the Kansas City Chiefs and win the AFC West while the Tennessee Titans lose to the Houston Texans.If that ...
Round 1-A of the playoffs begins this Sunday. In this tournament, though, a win doesn’t guarantee advancement. Here are the five teams still fighting for the final two postseason seeds in the AFC, their odds and what needs to happen for them to sneak in. Denver Broncos With a win, the Denver Broncos are in. In their house against an untalented Kansas City Chiefs squad, it’d be surprising if they didn’t take care of business. Even if the Broncos do lose, though, they can still win the AFC West if the San Diego Chargers defeat the Oakland Raiders. Odds: 75% ...