Silver lining for 1-4 Raiders includes a path to playoffs
The 1-4 Las Vegas Raiders, who have a Week 6 bye, have dug themselves a deep hole. Per ESPN, they only have a 32 percent chance to make the playoffs. Las Vegas' upcoming schedule is favorable, however, giving it a chance to contend for the playoffs.
The team's remaining opponents have a combined winning percentage of .442. Over the next month, the Raiders can climb the standings with wins over the Texans, Jaguars and Colts.
In its four losses, Las Vegas has a point different of minus-14, with all defeats coming down to a final possession. Three of the Raiders' losses have come to teams that made the playoffs last season.
Per Fox Sports carnival barker Skip Bayless, the Raiders are "the best 1-4 team in NFL history." Although the Raiders are last in the AFC West, they rank 14th in the NFL's latest power rankings.
Over the past several weeks, the Raiders have lived up to the preseason hype for their offense. The running game featuring Josh Jacobs has been dominant over the past two games, with the fourth-year RB playing at a high level.
The passing game has picked up, too. Quarterback Derek Carr and wide receiver Davante Adams have rejuvenated their collegiate connection, giving the team something else to build on.
With the resurgence on offense, Las Vegas has a chance to become one of the few teams to make the playoffs after an 0-3 start.
Las Vegas' next five opponents are the Texans, Saints, Jaguars, Colts and Broncos. The Raiders realistically could go 4-1, putting them at .500.
Upcoming opponents also include some of the league's weakest offenses. Considering the Raiders have a bottom-five defense in points per game (26), they must take advantage against the Steelers, Rams, Broncos and Texans.
The Raiders are not where they want to be. But if they can fatten their record on lowlier opponents, Las Vegas could crawl back into the playoff picture.
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