The Oakland Raiders are coming off their bye week sitting at 4-3 and in the thick of a wild AFC West divisional race. The Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers are all sitting at 4-3 atop the division. The Chiefs have now split their season series with the Chargers and taken one on the road against the Raiders.
As the Raiders continue to get their offense sorted out with Carson Palmer, they will also be looking for some assistance across the AFC in their attempts at a playoff run. If the Raiders can just keep winning they will put themselves in position for a playoff berth, but a few key wins and losses round the division and conference will help matters. We've decided to provide a rundown of picks of games related to the Raiders playoff bid.
Miami Dolphins @ Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs have won four straight and suddenly find themselves leading the AFC West after being left for dead a month ago. After a run of tough victories it will be interesting to see if they have any sort of letdown against an awful Miami Dolphins team. PICK: Chiefs
Green Bay Packers @ San Diego Chargers: The Chargers might have a modest chance at the upset, but the Packers are playing so well right now I'd be fairly surprised if it happened. This gives the Raiders a chance to put a bit of distance between themselves and the Chargers. PICK: Packers
Cincinnati Bengals @ Tennessee Titans: The wild card is likely going to be pretty crazy the next two months. The Bengals have come almost out of nowhere and are showing no signs of letting up. They may struggle at some point, but for now they are playing extremely well. PICK: Bengals
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers: The Ravens opened the season by smacking down the Steelers in Baltimore. We're now two months later and the Steelers are as hot as anybody in the AFC. I don't think we see a repeat performance. PICK: Steelers
New York Giants @ New England Patriots: The Giants might be able to pass all day on the Patriots, but they will also likely be without Ahmad Bradshaw. I think the Patriots are in for a battle but grab a tight victory. PICK: Patriots
New York Jets @ Buffalo Bills: Can anybody really pick against the Bills at home right now? They're playing extremely well right now and seem like the team to beat in the AFC West. Who knew? They have bounced back from struggles and are hot once again. PICK: Bills