Early line on the Raider game: Chargers by 8.5

[Boltx]

We need to handle these clowns. This team needs a confidence booster.

[richpjr]

Point spread up to 9.5.

[Formula 21]

This game scares me. The Raiders NEED a win and I think they come in here and come after us.

[Panama]

This game scares me. The Raiders NEED a win and I think they come in here and come after us.

Why do they need a win? I think a lot of these vets will realize there's nothing to play for an play to stay healthy and extend their careers. And while the team will want to avoid 0-16, they probably don't want to piss away the top pick either.

Of course they're going to try to win. I just don't see a lot of incentive for them to lay it all on the line.

[QSmokey]

Why do they need a win? I think a lot of these vets will realize there's nothing to play for an play to stay healthy and extend their careers. And while the team will want to avoid 0-16, they probably don't want to piss away the top pick either.

Of course they're going to try to win. I just don't see a lot of incentive for them to lay it all on the line.

Wait...what???!! No team is going to do that.

Also, I wouldn't say the Raiders "need" a win, but they must be getting desperate by now. This Sunday, at this time in the season, we could the easiest game left on their schedule. And, as Boltjolt said earlier in this thread, while just about every other team is pummeling the Raiders into a bloody pulp, we always seem to let them give us a game.

This Sunday is no sure thing.

[Panama]

Wait...what???!! No team is going to do that.

Also, I wouldn't say the Raiders "need" a win, but they must be getting desperate by now. This Sunday, at this time in the season, we could the easiest game left on their schedule. And, as Boltjolt said earlier in this thread, while just about every other team is pummeling the Raiders into a bloody pulp, we always seem to let them give us a game.

This Sunday is no sure thing.

This Sunday absolutely is a sure thing. 21+ points. Bank on it!

They always seem to give us a game ... in Oakland!

And as for the Chargers being their easiest remaining game, keep in mind that Denver will likely be resting starters in Week 17 and won't be out for blood the way I expect San Diego to be this weekend.

[richpjr]

Wait...what???!! No team is going to do that.

Also, I wouldn't say the Raiders "need" a win, but they must be getting desperate by now. This Sunday, at this time in the season, we could the easiest game left on their schedule. And, as Boltjolt said earlier in this thread, while just about every other team is pummeling the Raiders into a bloody pulp, we always seem to let them give us a game.

This Sunday is no sure thing.

They must be desperate now? Why were they not desperate in any of the last 15 games in a row that they lost?

Line is up to 10 points.

[QSmokey]

They must be desperate now? Why were they not desperate in any of the last 15 games in a row that they lost?

Line is up to 10 points.

The pressure is mounting with each loss. It's like a guy who goes 3 innings with a no-hitter. No big deal. 6 innings, he starts to sweat. 8 innings...the entire stadium is sweating. I'd say the Raiders are somewhere around the 7th-8th inning now, and 0-16 has got to be on their minds a lot.

[Coachmarkos]

As I said last week. I'll take a 1 point win.

I'm hoping for a blow out...but I'll take just a win of any variety.

[blueman]

Happy to back into the playoffs again if that's what's in store, we get there - and get healthy - we can do some damage.

[richpjr]

Ian Rapoport was on the radio today and was asked about the Chargers and the loss to Miami. He said he still thinks that the Chargers can still be a very good team, that they will probably make the playoffs and while everyone wants to dissect the Dolphin game, "sometimes teams just get their asses kicked" - I was cracking up at that line!

[Formula 21]

If anyone thinks the Raiders are playing out the string to go home, I think you're wrong. These guys are professional athletes too and don't like losing more than anyone else. If they come in with Miami's focus, we have a tough game on our hands. Yeah, 8 1/2 points is doable of the Bolts are focused, but will they be focused? I don't know if they have been for the last couple of games.