***SWAMPA CLAUS XMAS - PART 2 - OAK @ PHI***
***OAKLAND RAIDERS @ PHILADELPHIA EAGLES***
The second game for tonight's MNF season finale features the 6-8 Oakland Raiders as they head into Philadelphia to take on the first place 12-2 Eagles. The Raiders were officially eliminated from playoff contention yesterday with a few teams winning that they needed to lose. This came as as no surprise however as it was a long shot for them to get in any way and we all as well as they did I'm sure, know that it was highly unlikely. That being said, I think that Oakland has already checked out after they failed miserably to beat the Cowboys in brutal fashion home in the Black Hole on SNF last week. Despite playing an awful game, the Raiders still had a chance to steal a W over Dallas when QB Derek Carr attempted to be the hero as he sprinted for the pylon in the Redzone as time expired and dove while reaching for the promised land with the ball, only to have it knocked from his grasps and result in a fumble/touchback for the Cowboys, sealing the victory for Dallas. That is the kind of loss that demoralizes a team and will stick a fork in them at this point in the season. However, like I previously mentioned in the writeup for the previous game, this spot in particular gives reason for a team with nothing to play for to get up and be motivated. Prime Time football on Christmas baby! Unlike the Texans, the Raiders are on the road so that whole distraction of the Holiday is reversed I believe. They are most likely away from their families for the Holiday and because of that, I got to believe the team is probably a bit closer for this week in particular, you know that whole family vibe. Spirits are probably up and tonight they have a chance to play the number one team in the league on the big stage, and you know, any given Sunday (Monday) am I right?! Also unlike Texans, the Raiders actually have a qB and can pose a threat with the slew of weapons that they have on offense with both RB Marshawn Lynch and the WR core that despite potentially being without WR Amari Cooper, is still very dangerous with Michael Crabtree and many capable X Factor type guys like Cordarelle Patterson. TE Jared Cook has really seemed to of finally found a home with the Raiders as well, he and Carr have really seemed to of established quite the rapport throughout this season.
Backup QB Nick Foles has quickly stepped up to the plate since the Eagles starting QB and young phenom Carson Wentz went down with a season ending injury two weeks ago. When Wentz got hurt, Foles was able to come in and hold down the fort while under siege against the Rams and get the victory. He followed that up with a fine performance against the lowly Giants who some may roll their eyes at since it was against inferior competition but in my opinion it was a tough Divisional game and on the road nonetheless. The Giants even gave the Eagles all the could handle as QB Eli Manning played his best game of the season and lit up the scoreboard. It served as a great test for Foles and the Eagles as he was forced to bring his team back from an early deficit which he did with flying colors. While I do think Saint Nick is a very capable QB and that the Eagles dreams of a Super Bowl didn't completely dissipate with Wentz going down, I feel like realistically they will most likely will get bounced early because of it unfortunately. However until then, they should be just fine! They go up against another poor defense with an awful secondary tonight and next week Dallas poses the same type of situation, and both at home which helps. So my point here is, the Eagles should have no problem scoring tonight and coming out of here with a nice win to gift their fans on Xmas, but I do see the Raiders being able to keep up and make it a fun, high scoring game. I feel like Lynch is going to have a big game which will inevitably open up the passing game for Carr and Crabtree. I think Carr will want to redeem himself for last week's disaster and will fight to try and pull an upset in this one, and who knows, Foles is still fresh off the bench technically and with one big play by stud DE Khalil Mack, this game could completely take a turn and be on upset alert. That's the way I'm seeing it, an entertaining back and forth type of game that will be close, keeping da RRRAaaaaIIIDAAAAZZZZ within the number. Head Coach Jack Del Rio will be looking to end the season on a good note here after a disappointing run. Give me the points, and again Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! RAIDERS+10
