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How far is the rest of the AFC West from a Super Bowl appearance?

By Shelby Manning

Nov 15, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Devontae Booker (23) runs through a hole in the line during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Devontae Booker (23) runs through a hole in the line during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 26, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a pass to tight end Jason Witten (82) during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a pass to tight end Jason Witten (82) during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

2020 Record: 8-8

AFC West Ranking: 2nd

Up until the end of the 2020 season, the Raiders looked like a dangerous playoff team. The Raiders were the only team to defeat the Chiefs in the regular season, had an explosive offense, and Derek Carr was having one of the best seasons of his career.

That is until the Raiders hit their same end of season skid that they had hit in 2019, where the end of their season imploded, and they were eliminated from playoff contention when they definitely should have been a Wild Card team.

The Raiders’ defensive unit was once again a thorn in their side and was easily one of the worst units in football. However, the firing of Paul Guenther should alleviate that some.

The Raiders may need to look to free agency to acquire more of a veteran defensive presence, with a lot of potential in their young guys like Jonathan Abram and Maxx Crosby.

The Raiders are pretty set on the offensive side of the ball, with a solid offensive line and one of the best up and coming backs in the league in Josh Jacobs. Quarterbacj Derek Carr also has an arsenal of weapons from wide receiver Henry Ruggs III to tight end Darren Waller, who is making his name as a top tight end in the league.

However, while Carr is among the most accurate QBs in football, his future with the team is up in the air. The Broncos are not the only AFC West team to surface amid Watson talks, with the Raiders emerging as a potential destination.

While QB is not a need for Las Vegas, they certainly would automatically improve with Watson under center. However, this does not fix their defensive woes, which is the true team issue.

It is likely that out of the AFC West teams, the biggest pressure for pending playoff success is on the Raiders, after moving cities and into a multi-billion dollar stadium.

Overall, any team that acquires Watson, whether it be the Raiders or Broncos, gets one step closer. If the Raiders can maintain their offensive success and build a defense, they and the Broncos may be closer than one may expect.

However, if the Raiders cannot improve their defense, they are likely a few seasons away from potential contention.

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