NFL Power Rankings, Week 17: Saints clinch top seed, Ravens take over AFC North
By Dan Parzych
32. Oakland Raiders (32) – Play Monday Night
It sounds terrible to say, but the Oakland Raiders must be thrilled to see this season close to being over when looking at how they ended up being one of the biggest disappointments after high expectations back in September. Originally, the plan for the Raiders was to hire Jon Gruden to help this team return to the level of being contenders from a few years ago when they were a top contender in the AFC.
As Oakland fans know, Gruden has arguably made this team take a step back when seeing how Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper are both no longer part of the picture, whether it’s his fault or not. Not to mention, the Raiders may have a decision on their hands when it comes to Derek Carr since rumors are already swirling about whether he’s the guy Gruden wants around for the long run.
Before Oakland enters their final game of the regular season, the team will host the Denver Broncos in what can be best described as a Monday night meeting between two rivals with literally nothing to play for. Even if the Raiders win against the Broncos, it’s still not going to help the situation from this year in which they’ve been a complete disappointment.