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Raiders Keep Playoff Hopes Alive With Victory Over Chargers

CARSON, Calif. (AP/CBSLA) — Derek Carr and the Oakland Raiders will go into the final week of the season still having a chance for the playoffs after Sunday's 24-17 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers snapped a four-game losing streak.

Oakland (7-8) still has a chance after losses by Pittsburgh, Tennessee and Cleveland. It needs a win over Denver next week and some help for only their second postseason trip since 2003.

Raiders coach Jon Gruden said he didn't know about the results from earlier games when his kicked off.

"Let's not sugarcoat it, we've been through a lot. To say we are still playing in Week 17 for something, that's unbelievable," said Carr, who completed 26 of 30 passes for 292 yards and a touchdown. "No one thought we would be playing for the playoffs. Let's just keep it real."

Carr gave the Raiders a 14-7 lead with 8 seconds remaining with a 3-yard bootleg off right end. But Carr — whose 86.7% completion rate is his second highest in a game — also got plenty of help from players who have had to step up because of injuries.

Hunter Renfrow had seven receptions for 107 yards, including a 56-yard touchdown on the opening drive. DeAndre Washington started in place of Josh Jacobs, who was inactive because of a shoulder injury, and ran 85 yards rushing on 23 carries. His 5-yard score midway through the third quarter extended Oakland's lead to 21-7.

"That's what great pro football teams and the Raiders are supposed to do. They find a way," Gruden said. "I'm really happy for these guys tonight."

Melvin Gordon scored a pair of 1-yard touchdowns for the Chargers (5-10), who have dropped five of their past six. Philip Rivers was 27 of 39 for 279 yards in what could be his final home game with the Chargers. The 16-year veteran quarterback's contract expires at the end of the season. Keenan Allen had five receptions for 71 yards.

"They dictated the pace of the game. They outplayed us," coach Anthony Lynn said. "We lost too many one-on-ones and critical situations."

The game was tied at 7 late in the first half, but Oakland took control with touchdowns on two straight drives. Carr's run put the Raiders up for good and Washington's score completed a 13-play possession to start the second half which lasted 8:49.

(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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