Raiders-Broncos: Fear the Ones That Have Nothing to Lose

It's a simple, time-honored phrase. But for Oakland, and a season that has had nothing go right, this is what Oakland's resigned to do. Play the spoiler. Oakland, in their last six games, face several teams that are fighting to get into the playoffs. Denver, San Diego, Tampa Bay, New England are in the upper slice, while Houston and Kansas City are in the lower terms. Oakland, to that degree, has had close games. Four of these, against Miami, Buffalo, Carolina, and San Diego, would have made the Raiders a 6-4 team. But of other reasons, they now sit out of the playoff picture. So how does a team go about leading into the next year? Making upsets worthwhile. The game against Denver has obvious reasons. First of all, Denver train-wrecked Oakland's season in the opener, on national TV, and started the speculation that Davis wanted Kiffin out. Add in the history of these two clubs, that when they play, they seem to play at a higher level...and you have the settings for an upset. Take ... (link)