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Best-case scenario: They pick it up and find a way to get into the playoffs. The Raiders aren't exactly peaking at the right time. Two weeks ago, they lost 43-6 to the Falcons, and last week they needed a last-second touchdown to beat the Jets. The Raiders have a 35.5 percent chance to make the postseason, but at 7-5, they control their own destiny. If the season ended today, they'd be on the outside looking in, but the Raiders have a huge matchup in Week 14 against the Colts, the team that currently occupies the last playoff spot. The Raiders figure to be favored in at least two of their final four games. They've done a lot of good things this season, but failing to make the playoffs will have to be considered a disappointment.

It was far from pretty against the Jets, but they found a way. Now comes a big one with the Colts in terms of playoff hopes.

While they appear in the midst of another late-season collapse, upcoming games against Indianapolis and Miami are golden nugget opportunities to get Las Vegas into postseason.

Person with most at stake: Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther

When the best ability is availability, and safety Johnathan Abram misses practices and now games, cornerback Damon Arnette keeps knocking himself out of games early and neither Cory Littleton nor Maliek Collins have been the game-changers hoped for thus far, this is what you get. Still, it is up to Guenther to dial up something positive for a defense that ranks 22nd overall, 23rd against the pass, 19th against the run, 28th in points allowed, 19th in takeaways and 30th in sacks. Especially with a playoff shot within Las Vegas' grasp. Buckle up. -- Paul Gutierrez

Miracles exist, even in the wretched year of 2020. Seconds away from the season-crushing humiliation of a loss to the winless New York Jets, Derek Carr dropped back and found Henry Ruggs all alone for a 46-yard touchdown, the deciding score for the Raiders in a stunning 31-28 win at the Meadowlands. Carr's touchdown throw came one play after the quarterback missed an open Nelson Agholor on another deep strike. All Carr had to do was hit one, however, and as a result, the Raiders remain a player in the AFC playoff hunt. A huge Week 14 showdown with the 8-4 Colts will have massive implications for both teams.