It’s been quite a while since the Oakland Raiders played a truly meaningful game this late in the season. But today’s battle with hated archrival Denver is one that has big implications for Oakland’s playoff schedule. Win today, and they’ll wrap up the AFC’s second seed, a first round bye, and a home playoff game. Lose today, and they’ll be on the road for a wild card game next week.
The stakes are high – higher than they have been in almost a decade and a half. But the question in minds of many is – will they be ready and able to beat this Broncos team?