A look at Raiders’ final 5 games of the season

How many winnable games remain?

The Las Vegas Raiders have been eliminated from AFC playoff contention as they sit 2-10 with eight straight defeats.

Yet, there is plenty at stake down the stretch.

The Raiders are currently on pace for the No. 2 overall draft pick as they try to draft their quarterback of the future next April. Yet, there is plenty to unfold when it comes to the NFL draft order. There are three teams with two wins and five others with three victories, so there is a lot at stake.

While some fans may want the Silver and Black to tank for a new quarterback, the team is playing hard and coach Antonio Pierce is working for his future.

The Raiders were competitive at Kansas City in a close loss and quarterback Aidan O’Connell played well. But, overall, the team hasn’t been overly competitive as they have trailed by double digits in all 12 games and has a point differential of minus-110, which is the fourth worst mark in the league.

So, there is plenty to watch for down the stretch.

Here is a look at the Raiders’ final five games of the season:

December 8, at Tampa Bay:

The Buccaneers are 6-6 and are a touchdown favorite over the Raiders according to our friends at FanDuel Sportsbook. The Buccaneers have an explosive offense and this is a long road trip. It won’t be easy.

December 16, Atlanta:

The Raiders host the 6-6 Falcons on a Monday night. The Falcons are fighting Tampa Bay for the NFC South title, but they’re very average and quarterback Kirk Cousins has been sagging. Atlanta has lost three games in a row heading into a tough task at the 10-2 Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. This could be an upset opportunity for the Raiders.

December 22, Jacksonville:

Like the Raiders, the Jaguars are 2-10. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence is on the injured reserve and Mac Jones will be the quarterback. The Jaguars may be the favorites to get the No. 1 pick. A lot will be at stake in this Week 16 game.

December 29, at New Orleans:

Unless the 4-8 Saints get hot now, this game will be another game of also rans. Derek Carr will be motivated to beat the team he quarterbacked for nine seasons.

January 5, Los Angeles Chargers:

The Chargers are 8-4 and are headed for a playoff spot. If there isn’t much at stake in seeding spots for them, which likely could be the case, Jim Harbaugh could opt to rest his starters against the Raiders.

Conclusion:

This isn’t an overly daunting remaining schedule. There’s wins on the table for the Raiders.