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New England Patriots: Ranking Possible AFC Playoff Opponents

By Nick Ziegler

Dec 24, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back James White (28) celebrates with wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back James White (28) celebrates with wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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New England Patriots
Dec 24, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) is helped off the field during the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at the Oakland Coliseum. The Oakland Raiders defeated the Indianapolis Colts 33-25. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

5.) Oakland Raiders

Week 17 will be an important week for the Oakland Raiders to see what they have at quarterback. Without Derek Carr, it is hard to imagine that this is a team that will be able to go anywhere in the postseason, This season, Carr has been playing at an MVP level, and the loss of him could cripple the Raiders.

After the injury to Carr, Matt McGloin was named the starting quarterback for the Raiders. McGloin has played in 12 games for the Raiders, and the numbers aren’t all that impressive. In his career, McGloin has totaled 11 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions. He has been with the Raiders for a few years now, as he will benefit from knowing the system well.

Luckily for McGloin, the Raiders do have some talent on offense. They have one of the best offensive lines in the AFC, and also have a running game that can control the clock. In addition to the strong running game, the duo of Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree is one of the best in the NFL.

Unfortunately for the Raiders, their defense is suspect. Aside from Khalil Mack, the Raiders don’t have much on the defense side of the ball. It would be shocking to see the Raiders win a game in the playoffs, but they might be able to find a way against weak competition.

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