The 6-4 Oakland Raiders find themselves at the head of the tightly-packed AFC West race through 10 games of the season, leading the Denver Broncos (5-5) by one game and the San Diego Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs (both 4-6) by two games. At this point, the division could shake out in any which way as all four teams still have a shot. According to an ESPN article and the Playoff Predictor, however, the Raiders are projected to have a 60% chance of making the playoffs.
The percentage may seem high given the incredibly tight nature of the AFC West standings and the ongoing injury concerns of running back Darren McFadden, but the Raiders may have the least question marks of the four teams at this point. Quarterback Carson Palmer is starting to grow into his role as Raiders starting quarterback and back-up running back Michael Bush has filed in admirably for McFadden (no less than 96 yards rushing in any of Oakland's last four games).
A win over the Chicago Bears will only increase Oakland's chances, according to the article. The Bears will play without quarterback Jay Cutler, who has helped his squad earn a five-game winning streak.
The Raiders are currently 4.5-point favorites in Sunday's game, according to Odds Shark. If Oakland can capitalize on Cutler's absence and seal a victory, the Raiders can move one step closer to ensuring a playoff appearance at the end of the season since 2002.
For more on the Raiders, go to Silver And Black Pride. For more on the Bears, check out Windy City Gridiron.