As the Las Vegas Raiders leave Arrowhead Stadium with a two-point loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, there's undoubtedly many hypothetical situations running through their minds.
None more jarring than what happened on the final play of the game.
Trailing 19-17 with less than two minutes in regulation, Aidan O'Connell completes five passes for 55 yards to get his team in scoring position to take the lead.
With 14 seconds left, O'Connell lined up in shotgun formation.
"We were going to snap the ball and really just throw the ball out of bounds," Antonio Pierce said postgame. "The ball is at the 32-yard line, kill four, five more seconds and kick a 49-yard field goal."
It could've been redemption for Daniel Carlson, who'd uncharacteristically missed three field goals throughout the game – all from at least 55 yards out.
However, it wasn't meant to be as miscommunication between center Jackson Powers-Johnson and O'Connell turned into a fumble recovery for the Chiefs to pull out the win.
"It's completely my fault," O'Connell said. "I was looking out to the right making sure guys were set and I started clapping. In my head, I was thinking, 'Signal the ball to get the ball,' but when I start clapping, it tells Jackson basically, snap the ball.
"Jackson did exactly what he should've done. I clapped too early. Just how the football bounces sometimes. Didn't go our way. Super tough but there's really nobody to blame but myself. That's probably the hardest part to swallow."
It's a tough way to end the game for O'Connell, who stepped back into action for the first time since Week 7. Still rehabbing from a right thumb injury, the second-year quarterback went 23-of-35 for a career-high 340 yards and two touchdowns.
His main target was none other than rookie standout Brock Bowers, who also hit a career-high with 140 receiving yards and touchdown. It was Bowers' third game since Week 7 with at least 10 receptions.
"To be honest, sometimes out there I think I suck," Bowers said. "I'm just out there and I can't do anything. Throughout the whole first half I was like, 'Damn, I can't make a freaking play out here.' But then it started opening up toward the end."
Another positive to take away from the contest was success in rushing the ball. The Raiders accumulated more than 100 rushing yards for the fourth time this season. Sincere McCormick, activated off the practice squad for a second straight week, led the way with 64 yards – averaging over five yards a carry.
"It was just attention to details. Trusting my instincts and believing what I see," McCormick said. "I'm constantly having the people around me keep motivating me, see what I need to watch out for and continue to have that confidence as I continue to carry the rock."
The defense also came into Kansas City with a sound gameplan, sacking Patrick Mahomes four times and holding him to a 56.5 completion percentage, his lowest this season.
All in all, it's a tough pill to swallow for the Silver and Black. It seemed to be a prime opportunity to end their losing streak and beat the defending Super Bowl champions on the road for a second straight season.
But it wasn't meant to be.
Now all the Raiders can do is regroup, take pride in their effort and look forward to another road matchup next weekend against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
"Just proud of my team, proud of our team, proud of the fight," Pierce said. "We came up short yet again. That's the World Champs. That's twice now I thought this season we played them very hard. Had opportunities there to win it and put ourselves in a position to win it. There's no fight, the record is what it is, but this is a team that's prideful, that's playing for one another. There's no quit. There's no putting their head down. ... [O]ne thing I'm not going to take away is the effort, the pride and the way they compete."
View photos from the Raiders' Week 13 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) and defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham (66), guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) and offensive lineman Jordan Meredith (61) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) and long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer (50) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Thomas Harper (34) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 27-yard field goal during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (45) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Amari Burney (56) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson (44) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson (44) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12), guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) and offensive lineman Jordan Meredith (61) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (28) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson (44) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (28) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (28) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders special teams during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (28) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (28) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) makes a 33-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) makes a 33-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) celebrates after making a 33-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) celebrates with guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) after making a 33-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) and defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (28) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Kana'i Mauga (43) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) makes a 58-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) makes a 58-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) celebrates after making a 58-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson (44) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Kana'i Mauga (43) and long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer (50) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
