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NFL Playoff Scenarios, The AFC West: The Raiders Fail To Gain Ground

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The Oakland Raiders did everything within in their power to gain ground in the AFC West, but the Chiefs did not let that happen. Matt Cassel returned to action and led the Chiefs to a 27-13 victory in St. Louis over the Rams. The Chiefs gave up two field goals early and trailed 6-0 at the end of the first quarter, but they then went on a 20-0 run to put the game away and stay two games ahead of the Raiders and one ahead of the San Diego Chargers, with two games remaining.

The mission is simple for the Raiders. It all starts with them winning next week. This is not going to be an easy task. The Raiders will host Peyton Manning and the 8-6 Indianapolis Colts. The Colts will be coming in off of a huge 34-24 victory to reclaim first place in the AFC South.

That is the part of this scenario the Raiders can control. The other part has to do with two teams losing. The San Diego Chargers will need to lose one of their next two games. They travel to Cincinnati and will take on the 3-11 Bengals before going to Denver to take on the 3-11 Broncos. At least both games will find the Chargers on the road.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs to knock the Raiders from contention before the Raiders take the field against the Colts. They will be playing in the confines of their home stadium against the 6-8 Titans. The Titans showed some life today as they beat Houston 31-17.