In two games during the last six weeks, the Raiders’ offense handed leads over to the defense with less than two minutes to play. In another, the offense gave the opponents the last chance in overtime.
The defense fell short all three times, failing to hold leads. The Raiders lost three critical games by a combined eight points.
The results cost the Raiders a shot at an 11-win campaign and their second playoff appearance since 2002 as they enter the season finale Sunday at the Denver Broncos.
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Instead, the goal is to avoid a second straight 7-9 finish and their 15th losing season in 18 years.
The Raiders have more to play for than just improving on last year’s seven-win effort. Check out four areas worth watching in the season finale.