NFL Power Rankings, Week 16: Chiefs gripping No. 1 tightly and the Jets won a game

Remember when the Las Vegas Raiders seemed like a lock to make the playoffs? Jon Gruden’s club was 6-3 on the season and was playing quality football on both sides of the ball. The wheels have since fallen off, however, and we are currently in the heart of another late-season collapse for the silver and black.

Thursday’s loss to the Chargers was a real punch to the gut for the Raiders. Not only did they lose in overtime but they saw Derek Carr exit the game. Marcus Mariota performed beautifully when thrust into action but it wasn’t enough for the team to overcome as they were also short-handed on defense due to injuries.

Now at 7-7, the Raiders’ playoff hopes are all but done as they have a matchup with the Dolphins and then the season finale against the Broncos looming. An 8-8 finish to the year seems likely, even if Mariota is forced to start the final two games of the year.

But given how they started, that has to be seen as a disappointment in Las Vegas. The Raiders are reaching the point in the Gruden era where they are steadily improving but need to take a big step forward sooner rather than later. Because right now, they can’t quite get over the hump.