Raiders face three tough games to save playoff hopes

HENDERSON, Nev. The Las Vegas Raiders face a critical three-week stretch starting Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. This gauntlet includes home games against Seattle and Denver, and the results will determine whether the team remains in the NFL postseason race.

Coach Klint Kubiak described the squad as still being in the hunt for a playoff spot. The Raiders improved to a .500 record with a 38-33 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday. Quarterback Kirk Cousins threw three touchdown passes and ran for another score in that game. The win ended a four-game losing streak in which Las Vegas fell to teams considered Super Bowl contenders.

The upcoming opponents hold a combined record of 16-7. The 49ers are 6-1 and are favored by 9.5 points for the Sunday contest. The Seahawks are 4-4, and the Broncos round out the group. For the Raiders to have a realistic chance at the playoffs, they likely need to win all three games to reach a 7-4 record.

Historical data supports the necessity of that perfect run. Since the playoff field expanded to 14 teams in 2020, 23 of the 27 teams that finished the regular season at 7-4 made the postseason. Conversely, only 11 of 29 teams at 6-5 have advanced. Cornerback Eric Stokes said the team is ready for the challenge. He noted that being 4-4 with everything in their power is exactly what they want in November.

Left tackle Kolton Miller emphasized the importance of the upcoming month. He said November decides whether a team improves or falls off. The Raiders are currently sixth in the league with 27.6 points per game. Cousins is second in the NFL with 19 touchdown passes. He remains the starter, while first-round draft pick Fernando Mendoza has made one appearance this season.

Owner Mark Davis explained the decision to keep Cousins under center. Davis said modern pressure often forces teams to play a No. 1 pick immediately, but Cousins is bridging the gap. He allows Mendoza to learn the professional game. Davis compared the situation to quarterbacks from the 1960s who sat on benches for years before getting their chance.

The Raiders also have injury updates. Second-year cornerback Darien Porter, who suffered a groin injury against the Jets, did not practice on Wednesday. He has shared duties with rookies Hezekiah Masses and Jermod McCoy. Defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway, who has a stinger, was not given an injury designation.