Hot Streak Possible to Salvage Season for the Las Vegas Raiders
- Las Vegas Raiders
- 11/29/2025 11:56:32 PM
After a disappointing Week 17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs that dimmed their playoff hopes, the Las Vegas Raiders find themselves at a critical crossroads: with three games left in the regular season, a late-season hot streak could still salvage their campaign and keep their playoff dreams alive. The Raiders currently sit at 7-7, trailing the final AFC wild-card spot by one game, but their upcoming schedule—featuring two home games against teams with losing records (the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts) and a road game against the struggling Denver Broncos—offers a clear path to climb back into contention. Hot Streak Possible to Salvage Season for the Las Vegas Raiders explores the factors that make a late surge feasible: from the return of key injured players to recent improvements in the running game and defensive pressure. For a team that has shown flashes of potential all season, a three-game win streak isn’t just a pipe dream—it’s a realistic path to turning a mediocre season into a memorable playoff push.
Hot Streak Possible to Salvage Season for the Las Vegas Raiders starts with the most encouraging sign: the return of health to key positions. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who looked rusty in his Week 17 return from a knee sprain, has now had two full weeks of practice to refine his timing with wide receivers Davante Adams and Hunter Renfrow. Garoppolo’s chemistry with Adams—one of the league’s top pass-catchers (98 catches, 1,250 yards)—was noticeably off against the Chiefs, but the extra reps should help restore their connection. Additionally, right guard Dylan Parham, who missed Week 17 with an ankle sprain, is expected to return to the offensive line. Parham’s presence will be critical in protecting Garoppolo and opening holes for running back Josh Jacobs, who was held to just 42 yards against the Chiefs but has averaged 97 yards per game when the line is fully healthy. “Health is a big factor for us,” head coach Josh McDaniels said in a press conference. “Getting Jimmy back in rhythm and having Dylan protect the line will make a huge difference. We’re starting to get our full complement of players back, and that’s when we’re at our best.”
Another key reason a hot streak is possible, highlighted in Hot Streak Possible to Salvage Season for the Las Vegas Raiders, is the Raiders’ upcoming schedule—one of the easiest remaining in the NFL. Their next three opponents have a combined record of 15-27, with none currently in playoff position. The Texans (6-8) have struggled on the road, losing five of their last seven away games, and their defense ranks 28th in the league in sacks. The Colts (5-9) have the worst rushing defense in the NFL (allowing 152 yards per game), which plays directly into the Raiders’ strength—Jacobs has rushed for 100+ yards against bottom-10 rushing defenses six times this season. The Broncos (4-10), meanwhile, have lost four straight games and rank 30th in total offense. “The schedule sets up perfectly for us,” said former Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon, now a TV analyst. “These are teams the Raiders should beat if they play up to their potential. A three-game win streak would put them at 10-7, which is almost certainly enough to make the playoffs. This is their chance to take control of their own destiny.”
Hot Streak Possible to Salvage Season for the Las Vegas Raiders also delves into the Raiders’ defensive resurgence, which has flown under the radar in recent weeks but could be a key driver of a late streak. Over the last four games, the Raiders’ defense has recorded 14 sacks (third-most in the NFL during that stretch) and forced seven turnovers—including three interceptions from cornerback Nate Hobbs. Defensive end Maxx Crosby, who leads the team with 16 sacks, has been particularly dominant, recording at least one sack in each of the last three games. The defense also ranks 10th in the league in run defense over the last month, allowing just 92 yards per game. For the Las Vegas Raiders, a strong defense will be critical against their upcoming opponents: the Texans and Colts rely heavily on the run, and the Broncos have struggled to move the ball through the air. “Our defense is playing with more confidence lately,” Crosby said. “We’re getting pressure on quarterbacks, forcing turnovers, and stopping the run. If we can keep that up, we’ll win a lot of games down the stretch.”
The Raiders’ special teams unit, which faltered against the Chiefs, also has the potential to bounce back—and become a strength during a late hot streak—an angle explored in Hot Streak Possible to Salvage Season for the Las Vegas Raiders. Kickoff returner Tre Tucker, who fumbled against the Chiefs, has averaged 28.3 yards per return this season (third in the NFL) and has the speed to change the game with a single play. Punter AJ Cole, who had two punts blocked against the Chiefs, has been one of the league’s best punters all season, averaging 48.5 yards per punt and pinning 42% of his kicks inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. Special teams coordinator Tom McMahon has spent extra time in practice refining blocking schemes and fumble drills, and the unit has a history of bouncing back from poor performances—they didn’t have a single turnover in the four games before the Chiefs loss. For the Las Vegas Raiders, a reliable special teams unit can swing field position and create scoring opportunities—something that will be crucial in close games against the Texans and Colts. “We had a bad game, but we’re not defined by that,” McMahon said. “Our special teams have been a strength all season, and we’ll get back to that level. We can be the difference-maker in these upcoming games.”
Looking at the mental aspect of a late hot streak, Hot Streak Possible to Salvage Season for the Las Vegas Raiders examines how the Raiders’ resilience and experience can carry them through the final three games. The team has already faced adversity this season—overcoming a three-game losing streak in October and navigating injuries to key players—and has shown the ability to bounce back. Many of the Raiders’ core players, including Garoppolo, Adams, and Crosby, have playoff experience and understand what it takes to win late in the season. McDaniels has also emphasized “one game at a time” messaging in practice, focusing on the Texans first instead of looking ahead to the Broncos or Colts. For the Las Vegas Raiders, staying focused and avoiding distractions will be just as important as physical talent. “We know what’s at stake,” Adams said. “We have three games left, and we need to win all of them. It’s that simple. We’re not going to overcomplicate things—we’re just going to play hard, execute our plays, and trust each other.”
Hot Streak Possible to Salvage Season for the Las Vegas Raiders concludes with a clear message: the Las Vegas Raiders still have everything to play for. A three-game win streak would not only salvage their season but also prove that they have the talent and resilience to compete with the NFL’s best. With a favorable schedule, returning health, a strong defense, and a special teams unit that can bounce back, a late surge is well within reach. For fans, this is a chance to see their team turn disappointment into triumph—to go from the brink of elimination to a playoff spot in just three weeks. As the Raiders prepare to face the Texans, one thing is clear: the season isn’t over yet. In the end, Hot Streak Possible to Salvage Season for the Las Vegas Raiders is a story of hope—a reminder that in the NFL, anything can happen, and a single hot streak can turn a forgettable season into an unforgettable one.