Three takeaways from the Raiders’ 31-26 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday in Inglewood, California:
1. Halfway to the postseason
The Raiders knew the first half of their schedule was the real test, and it was a matter of putting themselves in position of making a late run to the playoffs.
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SIGN UP HERE At the midpoint of their season, they have done that with a 5-3 record. That includes road victories against the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs, the Cleveland Browns and now the Chargers.
Catching the Chiefs in the AFC West is unrealistic, but a wild card is well within reach.
That means taking advantage of a softer second-half schedule. But in the NFL, nothing is a given as was underscored by the scare the Dallas Cowboys threw into the undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
But the Raiders have a chance. A real good chance.
