OAKLAND — So here they are, halfway into the season, a legitimate playoff contender no matter how you look at the standings.
The Raiders were destined for 2-6, maybe 3-5 if things broke right. Instead, they’re 4-4 after beating the Detroit Lions 31-24 Sunday at the Coliseum. The road trip from hell is over. A more favorable schedule awaits, although coach Jon Gruden wants no part of that storyline.
Five things that could derail the Raiders from a spot in the postseason in their final season in Oakland:
Injuries
Always the biggest concern of any NFL team, and the Raiders have had their share.