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NFL Playoff Scenarios, AFC West: The Raiders Look To The NFC West For Help

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When the Raiders gave up a ten point second half lead before losing to the Jacksonville Jaguars, they squandered a great opportunity to pick up a much needed game on the Chiefs. Only half of this is bad news, because it means the Chiefs lost. Those results kept the Raiders two games back of the division lead. With three games to play, the Raiders are running out of time.

Still, the Chiefs looked bad. Without Matt Cassel leading the way, the Chiefs were held scoreless against the San Diego Chargers. In fact, they only mustered 67 offensive yards.

Cassel, who is recovering from appendectomy surgery, made it onto the practice field Wednesday in a limited capacity. If he can play and how effective he will be on Sunday is the question of the week hovering over the AFC West as the Chiefs travel to St. Louis to take on the Rams. The Chiefs are just 2-5 on the road this season. Their league leading rushing game has not been nearly as dominant away from Arrowhead. Meaning, they are likely going to need some production from the passing game.

Of course the Chiefs loss last week means the San Diego Chargers won. At 7-6, the Chargers are one game ahead of the Raiders. The Chargers face a short turn-around this week as they host the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night Football. The Chargers are heavy favorites over the 49ers, who are just 1-5 on the road this season.

For the Raiders, who hold all AFC West tiebreakers, the mission is clear. Win their remaining games and hope the Chargers lose one of their last three and the Chiefs lose one of the next two before their Week 17 showdown with the Raiders in Arrowhead. The Denver Broncos have been eliminated from post-season play.