Oakland Raiders Vs Kansas City Chiefs: Fight For Third, or More?

Well, a couple weeks ago, this might have been the season's toilet bowl. Or how to separate the floaters from the sinkers.

But after last week, even in the NFL, nothing is taken for granted in the AFC Worst.

First of all, you have the Oakland Raiders. Last week, a 2-8 team that seemed to always get close, but lose. They vented this frustration out on the Denver Broncos at home.

Oakland walked off the field at Invesco, having ripped the Broncos a new one, 31-10.

Kansas City, meanwhile, has been through the motions. Celebrating a win over Denver, getting shut out, outplayed, and even a heartbreak or two, the Chiefs are now in the same position Oakland was a couple weeks ago.

The difference, right now, is which team looks stronger, is ready to deliver a complete game, and come out on top?

After seeing what the team looks like when things go right, the Raiders seem to have found a new level of confidence that had been missing all season. They outperformed Denver on offense, defense, special teams, and even made it run like a Swiss watch.

Kansas City went on a scoring binge last week, still losing to the Bills, who are in their own fight for a playoff berth, 54-31.

Ironic was that 20 of the points came off turnovers, and it was the most points scored against the Chiefs.

Still, as the Raiders would say, it was a close game until the Bills broke it open at the end of the second quarter.

Kansas City wants this game, if for no other reason, to prove the rebuilding is working.

Oakland, meanwhile, wants to prove last week wasn't just an aligning of the planets, a hoax, or a myth for the Discovery Channel to disprove.

Oakland also wants to reach for something more. With a win, the Raiders could possibly tie the Chargers if San Diego loses to the Falcons.

Possible, considering how the Falcons are playing.

That scenario would set up a Thursday night match-up for second place in the AFC West...and possibly a shot at Denver's division lead.

Lots to look forward to, If Oakland can stay focused on it's primary task.

Beating Kansas City, at home, in front of the Black Hole.

Oakland starts the journey, 30-14.

Raider On!