The Oakland Raiders playoff chances took a big hit Sunday as they fell at home 34-20 to the Kansas City Chiefs. Head Coach Jack Del Rio's team now owns an overall record of 5-7 and faces an uphill battle to qualify for the postseason.
Their next test comes Sunday as they travel to Colorado to take on Brock Osweiler and the Denver Broncos, but before our focus shifts to the division-leading Broncos, let's take a look at what the national media is saying about the team after their Week 13 performance.
Week 14 Ranking: 17
Week 13 Ranking: 16
Movement: Down 1
Analysis: The Raiders need to learn how to close. They've been outscored by an NFL-worst 72 points in the fourth quarter this season, with 13 of their 20 turnovers coming in the final frame.
Week 14 Ranking: 24
Week 13 Ranking: 29
Movement: **Up 5
**
Analysis: After starting the season red hot, Derek Carr and Amari Cooper have gone through the kind of rough patch you might expect from two young offensive players tasked with carrying the offense. Carr has seven touchdowns and five interceptions over his last four games and Cooper has dropped a league-leading 12 passes.
Week 14 Ranking: 18
Week 13 Ranking: 17
Movement: Down 1
Analysis: Guarantee you Derek Carr and Amari Cooper would like to have the third-down pass that resulted in former Raider Tyvon Branch's pick-six back. Carr could have put it a little more on it, and Cooper could've caught the ball. And could have, should have and would have, if we went backwards in time, brings the realization that the Raiders' dimming hopes to make the playoffs probably ensure Oakland will be watching the postseason unfold from home. Nothing has been decided yet, but there's a whole lot of traffic between Jack Del Rio's club and the sixth seed in the AFC.
Week 14 Ranking: 16
Week 13 Ranking: 13
Movement: Down 3
Analysis: On one hand, the team is showing improvement. On the other hand, it has blown plenty of opportunities to become a contender.
Week 14 Ranking: 19
Week 13 Ranking: 14
Movement: Down 4
Analysis: Why have they lost four of five? How about 11 turnovers in that span. Won't get easier with Broncos, Packers, Chiefs ahead.
Week 14 Ranking: 20
Week 13 Ranking: 18
Movement: Down 2
Analysis: Derek Carr's three fourth-quarter interceptions were tough to swallow. After a fun start, the Raiders have lost four of five. But you'd assume they'll be better next season. Making the playoffs this year really wasn't a realistic part of the plan anyway.
