Thursday, December 24, 2020

Las Vegas Raiders Week 16 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Las Vegas Raiders rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 17.6 (17th)
  • Best ranking: 16th (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 20th (USA Today)

Below you will find a Week 16 roundup for the Raiders in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 18

Wish: Help on defense. Better talent, better coaching, all of it. The Raiders got picked apart by the Chargers on Thursday night, essentially ending their playoff hopes. And once again, the defense failed them. After an offseason that included signing Cory Littleton, Nick Kwiatkoski and Maliek Collins, among others, the Raiders have looked a lot like they did last season. Their defense ranks 31st in EPA per snap going into the final two games. Jon Gruden needs to find a defensive coordinator who can do more with less, and he and Mike Mayock need to find players who can be more impactful. If Gruden makes the right hire, the Raiders could easily be a playoff team in 2021.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 16

They will likely play without Derek Carr, who suffered a groin pull. It's on Marcus Mariota now. With that defense, he has to be good.

USA Today -- Rank: 20

Don't blame this sinking ship on Darren Waller, whose 425 receiving yards since Week 13 are most ever for a tight end in a three-game span.

ESPN -- Rank: 16

Most underrated star: K Daniel Carlson

Quietly, Carlson has been a steadying influence on special teams for the Raiders, converting 41 of 42 extra point attempts and 28 of 30 field goals, including all four from 50 yards or longer. Trust? Coach Jon Gruden had Carlson ready to try an NFL-record 65-yarder at the end of regulation Thursday against the Chargers, but a botched hold thwarted that drama. In fact, entering Sunday, Carlson's 125 points scored led the NFL (he's tied for second now). -- Paul Gutierrez

NFL.com -- Rank: 18

The Raiders completed their free fall out of the AFC playoff picture with another terrible loss, this time an overtime setback at home against the Chargers on Thursday Night Football. The Raiders had first-and-goal on the opening possession of OT, but -- true to form over these past two Decembers -- Jon Gruden's team was unable to make the big play when it counted. It's a shame, too, because Marcus Mariota replaced an injured Derek Carr in the first half and was excellent, making big-time plays with his arm and legs. He performed like a guy who was ready to save the season, but the Raiders can't seem to get out of their own way once the holidays roll around. Bah humbug.

Previous update: Las Vegas Raiders Week 15 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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