We almost did it. The Oakland Raiders went into their final game of the season with the chance to win and move on to the playoffs, for the first time since 2002. The Silver and Black came into the January 1st game against the San Diego Chargers with their own destiny in their hands. At home, no less. But they failed in their mission and lost the game 38-26 and also lost their hopes of post-season play. Their loss, along with the other wins and losses on the last day of the regular season (and the first day of the new year), clarified the NFL playoff picture as to who’s in and who’s out.

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The Raiders’ loss was a boon to the Denver Broncos, who lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 7-3, but still won the division. The Broncos will now host Pittsburgh in the first round of the playoffs. With their loss, the Broncos created the opportunity for the Raiders to clinch the AFC West with their win, but the Raiders could not capitalize on the opportunity and the slot goes to Denver.

The NFL playoff picture includes returning and expected teams like the Green Bay Packers, the New England Patriots, the Baltimore Ravens, the New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons. I’m excited because there are also unexpected teams like the San Francisco 49ers, the Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, Denver Broncos and, for the very first time, the Houston Texans. The New York Giants will be there too, after an amazing game that saw them beat the Dallas Cowboys on the strong performance of QB Eli Manning.

Another amazing performance on that last Sunday of the regular season was turned in by Green Bay’s QB. And it was not starter Aaron Rodgers, who was resting in anticipation of the playoffs, it was backup QB Matt Flynn. Flynn broke Packers’ teams records going for 480 yards passing for six touchdowns.

The first of January gave three losses to the four AFC playoff teams. The Bengals, Texans and Broncos all lost, only the Steelers won their last game. The playoffs will start off with Cincinnati against Houston early on Saturday, January 7, followed by Detroit at New Orleans. Sunday will bring the Giants against Atlanta. And while all that is going on, Raiders fans like me will be looking towards the 2012 season.

Although born and raised with Eagles fans in Philadelphia, Freddy Sherman has always been a citizen of Raider Nation at heart. Since his dad got him a signed George Blanda football as child, to meeting Lyle Alzado in the 1980s, he hasn’t looked back. Follow him on twitter @thefredsherman

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As most of us know by now, the Oakland Raiders must win the game against the San Diego Chargers on New Year’s Day to have a chance at getting into the playoffs. That’s the most important part of the equation, and the only one the Silver and Black are focusing on.

Kamerion Wimbley
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In order for the Raiders to win the AFC West, the Denver Broncos need to lose to the Kansas City Chiefs. If that doesn’t happen, and somehow Tebow has another miracle left under his helmet (unlikely), the Cincinnati Bengals will need to lose to the Baltimore Ravens, and the Ravens are favored in that matchup. They would also need either the Tennessee Titans to lose to the Houston Texans or the New York Jets to defeat the Miami Dolphins. Both the Titans and Dolphins are favored, but I’m going for the best case scenario, and that’s a Denver loss.

The key ingredient to all of this, is an Oakland win over San Diego on Sunday, and there are at least five reasons I believe they will.

Philip Rivers

The Chargers’ quarterback, Philip Rivers, may be going to the Pro Bowl, but if he was judged on his 2011 performance, he’d be unlikely to head to Hawaii. Rivers has thrown 24 interceptions this year and in their last game against the Raiders at home, Rivers was sacked six times. He’ll be going down quite a few times again this coming Sunday.

Injured players returning

The Raiders’ sophomore receiver, Jacoby Ford, should be back in the game. Ford has been known to make some big plays, and he’ll give Oakland’s offense a big boost. In addition, safety Michael Huff, has said he will be in this all-important game, after missing the last two with a hamstring injury. Head coach Hue Jackson commented that Huff’s return is very important and the veteran player is one of the better on the team.

Jackson also said that the pieces are coming back together just like he knew they would, and I agree, it couldn’t happen at a better time.

Raiders’ running game

Oakland has the sixth ranked rushing attack in the NFL, and the Chargers run defense gives up 123.5 yards a game, ranked 20th in the league . Although star running back Darren McFadden is unlikely to return for the final game of the regular season, Michael Bush stole the show when the Raiders’ faced the Chargers on November 10. In that game, Bush had 30 carries for 157 yards and scored a touchdown.

Charger injuries

The Chargers strongest wide receiver, Vincent Jackson, hasn’t been at practice all week after suffering a groin injury. He’s unlikely to be in the game Sunday. Their running backs, Ryan Matthews and Michael Tolbert have missed practice this week and though they might both get on the field in Oakland, they won’t be at 100%.

The Raiders want the win

This is a must win for the Raiders, while it doesn’t matter near as much to the Chargers. Their season is over and done on January 1 either way. The players on the Silver and Black have the heart, and the will, to fight a tough battle and win.

The O.co Coliseum is sold out again, making this the eighth sell out of eight games in Oakland this year. Jackson said, “My hat goes out to our fans for supporting us. What we have to do is give back to them as I’ve always said. And how we give back is by winning.”

K.C. Dermody grew up in the Bay Area of California, and has been an Oakland Raiders fan from the time she could walk. She has continued her loyalty to the team through its many ups and downs over the decades, and has been privileged to meet several of her favorite players, including famed quarterback, Jim Plunkett . Follow her at www.facebook.com/KCDermodyWriter or on Twitter @kcdermody.

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By David Fucillo

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Dec 9, 2011 – Week 14 of the 2011 NFL season is at hand and both the Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers face big games. The Raiders travel to Green Bay to face the undefeated Packers. Oakland is tied with Denver for first in the AFC West in what is quickly becoming a dog fight heading into the final quarter of the season. The Raiders are battling through an assortment of injuries and are just looking to hang around and keep their hopes alive.

The 49ers head down to Glendale to face the Arizona Cardinals in a game they need to have to maintain their lead in the race for the number two seed and accompanying bye in the NFC. The Cardinals are on a bit of a roll, having won four of their last five games. Their only loss was to the 49ers, but they were also playing without starting QB Kevin Kolb. He returns this weekend and it should make for an intriguing game.

As always, the Thursday pick was made in advance of the game.

David - PITTSBURGH STEELERS (-14) over Cleveland Browns: Although this is a rivalry game, leaving the door open for a close one, I just don’t see it. The Browns are way too inconsistent and the Steelers aren’t going to be messing around with this one.

James – PITTSBURGH STEELERS (-14) over Cleveland Browns: Remember early in the season when everyone was swearing up and down that the Steelers were old and no longer relevant? Yeah, not so much anymore. This is a strong team with a good offense and a good defense. Browns do not stand a chance.

David – GREEN BAY PACKERS (-12.5) over Oakland Raiders: I’d be tempted if the Raiders were 100% healthy. Without McFadden, Ford, Moore and Jones? It would take a small miracle.

James – Oakland Raiders (+12.5) over GREEN BAY PACKERS: I cannot and will not pick against the Raiders.

David – CINCINNATI BENGALS (-1.5) over Houston Texans: The Bengals are scuffling a bit, but I think their defense can contain Arian Foster just enough to force T.J. Yates into a position where he has to try and win this thing. And I don’t think he can do that. The Bengals are sneaky solid.

James – Houston Texans (+1.5) over CINCINNATI BENGALS: Really tough game to call. While the Texans are on their third string quarterback, it does not look to have slowed them down a whole lot. They still have a very good defense and one of the best running games. Meanwhile, the Bengals are struggling right now and I cannot see them putting up many points against this Houston defense.

David - DETROIT LIONS (Even) over Minnesota Vikings: Joe Webb is not the answer.

James – DETROIT LIONS (Even) over Minnesota Vikings: This is just a matter of two mismatched teams. I know the Lions are struggling right now, but the Vikings are just not a good team. I do not see them going to Detroit and doing anything but floundering.

David – TENNESSEE TITANS (+3.5) over New Orleans Saints: The Saints are playing some great football right now, but when they go on the road, things are a little more up in the air. The Saints could roll in and handle their business, but I’ve just got a gut feeling about this one.

James – New Orleans Saints (-3.5) over TENNESSEE TITANS: The Saints could have the most potent offense in the NFL right now. That is no knock on the Packers offense, but the Saints are just something else and are playing very well right now. I don’t understand why this line is so close, I’d put the Saints as two score favorites.

David - MIAMI DOLPHINS (-2.5) over Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles are on the way down, the Dolphins are kind of on the way up in a weird sort of way. Philly is so wildly inconsistent that I really don’t know what to expect out of them week to week.

James – MIAMI DOLPHINS (-2.5) over Philadelphia Eagles: The battle of two 4-8 teams. One, the Eagles, is massively underperforming despite a blockbuster roster. The other, is massively overperforming despite an underwhelming quarterback and running back combo. The fact of the matter is, Miami is playing like a solidified unit while the Eagles are playing like they are a pick up team.

David - Kansas City Chiefs (+10.5) over NEW YORK JETS: I made a change here. Was originally going to go with the Chiefs, but something about that line intrigues me with the Chiefs. I’m sure they’ll now get blown out (sorry, KC fans), but it’s just a gut feeling.

James – NEW YORK JETS (-10.5) over Kansas City Chiefs: Another example of one team just simply being much better than the other. Though the Jets have not had a stellar season, they are playing much better as of late. And with a playoff spot on the line, I expect them to turn it up late in the season and win games like this one big.

David - New England Patriots (-9.5) over WASHINGTON REDSKINS: The Patriots can be questionable on the road, but the Redskins have Rex Grossman maning the helm. Sorry, Washington.

James – New England Patriots (-9.5) over WASHINGTON REDSKINS: Is much discussion really needed on this one?If the line was bigger then maybe I’d have to think about it for a bit. But come on, this will not be anywhere near a close game.

David - CAROLINA PANTHERS (+2.5) over Atlanta Falcons: I’m a Cam Newton believer. I think most folks are, but I think they are going to start pairing some wins together before Cam goes postal with all the losing. If this was in Atlanta I’d be questioning it, but I think they can swing the upset at home.

James – CAROLINA PANTHERS (+2.5) over Atlanta Falcons: The Panthers are starting to play better. They have back to back wins for the first time this year. Oh, and Cam Newton is an absolute BEAST. Meanwhile, the Falcons could not pull off a win over the Texans and TJ Yates.

David - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Even) over JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: I was a little bit tempted by the Jaguars, but then I remembered they just aren’t any good. Blaine Gabbert showed some things at times against the Chargers, but struggled enough to leave me questioning them this season.

James – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Even) over JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: The Jags are just a bad team. The Bucs are a massively underperforming team. While their records are very similar, the quality of the teams is not. The Bucs will look like the team most people thought they were this season and get a win on the road in an empty Jaguars stadium.

David - Indianapolis Colts (+17.5) over BALTIMORE RAVENS: The Ravens win this, but they have a nasty habit of playing down to lesser competition from time to time. I think we see it once again.

James – Indianapolis Colts (+17.5) over BALTIMORE RAVENS: Do not worry, this is not a typo, nor have I completely lost my mind. The Colts have played a lot of close games this season, and have only been blown out by 17 or more points four times. Meanwhile, the Ravens have a nasty habit of playing down to their competition (see: Seattle). Ravens will win, and win easily, but it will be closer to 10-14 points.

David - Chicago Bears (+3.5) over DENVER BRONCOS: I’m breaking the most important rule: Do not bet against Tim Tebow. Well, my gut has me thinking something crazy happens and the Broncos actually lose. I’m not sure why I think this, but I just have a hunch.

James – DENVER BRONCOS (-3.5) over Chicago Bears: No Jay Cutler. No Matt Forte. Good god, is Tebow going to do it again? I think he is and let me tell you, I am pretty bitter about it.

David - San Francisco 49ers (-3.5) over ARIZONA CARDINALS: The 49ers clinched the NFC West last week and face the Pittsburgh Steelers next week on Monday Night Football. This is a chance for a let-down as the Arizona Cardinals roll out Kevin Kolb in his second start since coming back from a foot injury. Crazy things sometimes happen when these two teams meet in Glendale, but I think the 49ers can handle their business.

James – San Francisco 49ers (-3.5) over ARIZONA CARDINALS: Jim Harbaugh is far too good of a coach to allow the Niners to have the same kind of let down against the Cards as the Cowboys did last week. Arizona does not stand a chance in this game. The Niners will have their sights on a number two seed in the NFC and will not allow a team like the Cards to derail them from that goal.

David - SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (-7.5) over Buffalo Bills: Don’t bet against the Chargers in December.

James - SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (-7.5) over Buffalo Bills: The Chargers are looking like they have finally hit their stride late in the season. Probably not enough for a playoff berth, but enough to put down the struggling and injured Bills at home.

David – DALLAS COWBOYS (-3) over New York Giants: NFC East rivalry games can be incredibly crazy, but I think the Cowboys pull out this home game. They are getting Miles Austin back and while they were stunned by Arizona, I think they bounce back strong.

James - New York Giants (+3) over DALLAS COWBOYS: My pick here comes down to the intangibles. I believe that the Giants want the win more than the Cowboys do. I also have more faith in the Giants in late game situations than I do in the Cowboys. Both are coming off of tough losses, but one was a close loss to the league’s best team while the other was a close loss to a very bad team.

David - SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (even) over St. Louis Rams: I think the NFC picked this game just to show off how popular the NFL really is. That can be the only reason for it. The Rams are falling apart and the Seahawks are starting to play some decent football. I’ll go with the Seahawks.

James - SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (even) over St. Louis Rams: Wait a second. I must have read wrong. This is not the Monday Night Football game, right? There is no way the NFL would schedule a game like this so late in the season, on the biggest prime time game of the week. Sorry, Im not even going to explain my pick, Im just going to complain about this being the MNF game. TERRIBLE!

DAVID FUCILLO
Last Week: 9-7-0
Season: 97-89-3

JAMES ARCELLANA
Last Week: 9-7-0
Season: 93-79-4

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With the Oakland Raiders the first-ranked team in the AFC West and Miami Dolphins the last ranked team in the AFC East, it’s not hard to see who will come out on top when they meet. I have no doubt the Raiders will continue their assault towards Super Bowl XLVI, rolling over the Dolphins on Sunday December 4.

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Here are my top five reasons the Raiders will beat the Dolphins:

Passing and QB

I believe we will look back on 2011 as a great year in Raider history. It’s the year Carson Palmer(notes) came to the Raiders and will be the first of many Super Bowl wins with him at the helm. He has thrown for at least 299 yards in three of the past four games and is 3-1 since joining the team and starting in the lineup. The only problem could be interceptions, Palmer has eight pick-offs. All this without his main receiver Jacoby Ford(notes). Miami’s Matt Moore(notes) has been doing well, but it won’t be enough against the Silver and Black. The Raiders lead the Dolphins here statistically, with 373.3 yards per game passing vs. the Dolphins’ 316.4.

Running game

It could be all about Darren McFadden(notes), if he’s healthy enough to play. The Raiders may have an advantage over the Dolphins in rushing years (149.2 per game vs. 110.2) but I think the Raiders have struggled here. If McFadden is healthy, it will make a unbeatable combination with Palmer’s passing game. Michael Bush(notes) has stepped up his game and I think he will be a big threat to the Dolphins defense.

Defense

Miami has been playing good, hard defense and on paper they look better than the Raiders, especially in the key stat of points per game allowed. The Raiders have allowed 24.9, the Dolphins 18.7. Most of the other defensive match-ups look even except for rushing yards allowed per game. The Dolphins have allowed 97.5 yards per game, compared to the Raiders 135.3, so the Dolphin running game could present a threat.

One issue for the Raiders defense is linebacker Rolando McClain(notes), who was arrested in Alabama, charged with assault, discharging a firearm and other gun charges, then released. He is scheduled to travel with the team to Miami but is listed as questionable to play in the game. If nothing else, I think it’s a distraction the team didn’t need right now.

Coaching

I like Raiders coach Hue Jackson and I think a lot of years of hard work are stating to come together. He’s been a lot of places, coaching at Cal and USC, then moving up to the NFL and working for the Washington Redskins, Cincinnati Bengals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens and finally Oakland. He’s seen a lot of techniques and systems and I think he’s putting all that knowledge to use this season. Jackson coached Raiders QB Palmer when he (Jackson) was a coach at USC and I think that’s another reason the team brought him on-board. Across the field, Miami coach Tony Sparano is probably worried about his job, he’s now 28-31 in his fourth season and I think Miami fans are ready for a change.

Al Davis

The legacy of Raiders long-time owner Al Davis is to win and the players wear stickers on their helmets to honor him. I think his passing in October has inspired the team and taken them to a new level of intensity. I think it created a “12th man” effect, adding to the strength of Raider Nation, supporting the team at home and away.

Although born and raised with Eagles fans in Philadelphia, Freddy Sherman has always been a citizen of Raider Nation at heart. Since his dad got him a signed George Blanda football as child, to meeting Lyle Alzado in the 1980s, he hasn’t looked back. Follow him on twitter @thefredsherman

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Read More: nfl power rankings week 12, nfl power rankings 2011, cbs sports nfl power rankings, San Diego Chargers, Chicago Bears, Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos

The conclusion of week 11 means it is time for NFL power rankings. CBS Sports revealed their Week 12 NFL Power Rankings and they bumped the Oakland Raiders up one spot from No. 14 to No. 13. Their biggest climber was the Raiders main competition at this point in the West, the Denver Broncos. The Broncos climbed from No. 25 to No. 19 on the heels of their stunning victory over the New York Jets.

The AFC West has been all over the place in recent weeks, with three teams tied for second last week. There has been some clarity in the division with the Chargers and Chiefs dropping two games back. The Raiders now lead the Broncos by one game with six games remaining.

Week 12 brings an intriguing slate of games for the AFC West. The Raiders host the Chicago Bears, in what will be a stiff challenge for the Raiders offense. At the same time, the Bears will be without QB Jay Cutler, which eases the defensive challenge a bit. Matt Forte is still a load, but the Raiders are in a better position with Cutler sidelined.

The Denver Broncos travel to Southern California to face the San Diego Chargers in a game with huge divisional implications. If the Raiders win, a Broncos win sends the Chargers plummeting to three games out. If the Raiders win and the Broncos lose, the Raiders will hold a two-game lead on at least two teams in the division. Of course, the Raiders have to win to make this all the more significant. With the Chiefs hosting the Steelers, the Raiders could really be in the driver’s seat by the end of this weekend.

Here is the top ten in the NFL according to CBS Sports Week 12 NFL Power Rankings:

1. Green Bay Packers
2. San Francisco 49ers
3. Houston Texans
4. Baltimore Ravens
5. Pittsburgh Steelers
6. New Orleans Saints
7. New England Patriots
8. Chicago Bears
9. Detroit Lions
10. Atlanta Falcons