Raiders Close Out Season With Blowout Loss to Chiefs
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KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Raiders' season ended with a whimper. They didn't play spoiler Sunday by beating the Kansas City Chiefs. They didn’t finish strong like they’d hoped.
The Silver and Black were worked 35-3 at Arrowhead Stadium, where they have struggled mightily in recent seasons.
This one wasn’t competitive. The Raiders turned over the ball on their first four drives, and were down 21-0 in less than 21 game minutes. The paragraphs above were written then, with no worry over whether they’d hold true at game’s end.
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Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders passes during the game against the Kansas City Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri.
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Demarcus Robinson #11 of the Kansas City Chiefs catches the fiftieth touchdown pass of the season for Patrick Mahomes #15 in front of Rashaan Melvin #22 of the Oakland Raiders during the third quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri.
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Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs is tackled after making a catch during the first half of the game against the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri.
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Damien Williams #26 of the Kansas City Chiefs moves a pile of defenders in to the end zone for a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri.
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Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs out of the pocket while Kyle Wilber #58 of the Oakland Raiders gives chase during the first quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri.
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Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders passes during the game against the Kansas City Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri.
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Tyreek Hill #10 of the Kansas City Chiefs catches a pass in front of Nick Nelson #23 of the Oakland Raiders that would lead to the games first touchdown during the first quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri.
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Jalen Richard #30 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after a three-yard touchdown run against the Denver Broncos during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 24, 2018 in Oakland, California.
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Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders greets fans in the stands after their 27-14 win over the Denver Broncos in what may be the final Raiders game at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 24, 2018 in Oakland, California.
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Jalen Richard #30 of the Oakland Raiders rushes for a touchdown dragging Brandon Marshall #54 of the Denver Broncos into the endzone during the second half of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 24, 2018 in Oakland, California.
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Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos gets sacked by Karl Joseph #42 of the Oakland Raiders during the first half of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 24, 2018 in Oakland, California.
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Doug Martin #28 of the Oakland Raiders rushes with the ball against the Denver Broncos during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 24, 2018 in Oakland, California.
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Jordy Nelson #82 of the Oakland Raiders catches a pass during the third quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)
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Sam Hubbard #94 of the Cincinnati Bengals fights through a block by Brandon Parker #75 of the Oakland Raiders to knock down an attempted pass by Derek Carr #4 during the first quarter at Paul Brown Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)
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Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders fumbles the ball as he is sacked by Sam Hubbard #94 of the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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Karl Joseph #42 of the Oakland Raiders and Tahir Whitehead #59 combine to tackle Joe Mixon #28 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter at Paul Brown Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)
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Darren Waller #83 of the Oakland Raiders breaks a tackle by Jessie Bates #30 of the Cincinnati Bengals before being dragged down short of the goal line by Shawn Williams #36 during the second quarter at Paul Brown Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders warms up prior to the start of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 09: Jesse James #81 of the Pittsburgh Steelers gets tackled by Karl Joseph #42 and Tahir Whitehead #59 of the Oakland Raiders during the first half of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 9, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 09: Tight end Derek Carrier #85 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum on December 9, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-21. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 09: Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster #19 of the Pittsburgh Steelers catches a pass in front of cornerback Rashaan Melvin #22 of the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter at O.co Coliseum on December 9, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 09: Running back Doug Martin #28 of the Oakland Raiders dives for and scores a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at O.co Coliseum on December 9, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 09: Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster #19 of the Pittsburgh Steelers stiff arms safety Erik Harris #25 of the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter at O.co Coliseum on December 9, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 09: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders passes against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at O.co Coliseum on December 9, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
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Lee Smith #86 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates with Doug Martin #28 after scoring on a one-yard catch against the Kansas City Chiefs during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 2, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders and Eric Murray #21 of the Kansas City Chiefs push and shove each other on the sidelines during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 2, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Damien Williams #26 of the Kansas City Chiefs is tackled by Rashaan Melvin #22 of the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 2, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders looks to pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 2, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Doug Martin #28 of the Oakland Raiders rushes with the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 2, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs scores a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 2, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Tight End Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders catches a touchdown in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens rushes for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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Tight End Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders is tackled after a catch by inside linebacker C.J. Mosley #57 of the Baltimore Ravens in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
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Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens is tackled by linebacker Nicholas Morrow #50 of the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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Running Back Doug Martin #28 of the Oakland Raiders leaps for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
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Daniel Carlson #8 of the Oakland Raiders kicks a 35 yard game winning field goal out of a hold by Johnny Townsend #5 against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. Raiders won 23-21. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
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Jalen Richard #30 of the Oakland Raiders leaps over teammate Ian Silberman #67 while running the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at State Farm Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
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Maurice Hurst #73 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates a sack with P.J. Hall #92 in the first half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
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Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders is sacked by Chandler Jones #55 of the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
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Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals catches a touchdown pass during the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders at State Farm Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
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Josh Rosen #3 of the Arizona Cardinals is sacked by Maurice Hurst #73 of the Oakland Raiders during the first half at State Farm Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
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Doug Martin #28 of the Oakland Raiders is tackled by Bene' Benwikere #23 of the Arizona Cardinals in the first half at State Farm Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
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Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders throws a touchdown pass to teammate Jared Cook #87 during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
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Gareon Conley #21 of the Oakland Raiders intercepts a pass as Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals looks on during the first quarter at State Farm Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
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Jalen Richard #30 of the Oakland Raiders rushes with the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 11, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders fumbles the ball after a hit by Melvin Ingram #54 of the Los Angeles Chargers during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 11, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders passes against the Los Angeles Chargers during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 11, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders is hit by Corey Liuget #94 of the Los Angeles Chargers during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 11, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders hands the ball off to Doug Martin #28 during their NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 11, 2018 in Oakland, California. Smoke from a forest fire in Butte County is seen in the stadium. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders is sacked by Cassius Marsh #54 and Dekoda Watson #97 of the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 01: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders runs out of bounds against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 01: Doug Martin #28 of the Oakland Raiders rushes with the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 01: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders looks on during their NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 01: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders attempts a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Nyheim Hines #21 of the Indianapolis Colts carries the ball against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders reacts to a call during their NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
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Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates with Derek Carr #4 after a 25-yard touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
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Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders scores a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Jack Doyle #84 of the Indianapolis Colts is tackled after a catch against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
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Mo Alie-Cox #81 of the Indianapolis Colts makes one handed catch for a 26 yard touchdown play over Gareon Conley #21 of the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Dwayne Harris of Oakland Raiders is tackled by Shaquill Griffin of Seattle Seahawks during the NFL International series match between Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders at Wembley Stadium on October 14, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
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Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders speaks with head coach Jon Gruden during a timeout in the NFL International Series game between Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders at Wembley Stadium on October 14, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
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Raiders head coach Jon Gruden issues instructions during the NFL International Series game between Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders at Wembley Stadium on October 14, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
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David Moore of Seattle Seahawks scores a touchdown as Daryl Worley of Oakland Raiders attemptst to tackle him during the NFL International series match between Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders at Wembley Stadium on October 14, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 14: tackled by Tedric Thompson #33 of the Seattle Seahawks and and Shaquill Griffin #26 of the Seattle Seahawks during the NFL International Series game between Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders at Wembley Stadium on October 14, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
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Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders is sacked by defensive end Melvin Ingram #54 of the Los Angeles Chargers in the first quarter at StubHub Center on October 7, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
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Running back Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers is tackled by linebacker Marquel Lee #55 of the Oakland Raiders, free safety Reggie Nelson #27, and defensive back Leon Hall #29 in the first quarter at StubHub Center on October 7, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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Tight end Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders makes a catch in front of linebacker Denzel Perryman #52 of the Los Angeles Chargers in the first quarter at StubHub Center on October 7, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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Cornerback Trevor Williams #24 of the Los Angeles Chargers and strong safety Jahleel Addae #37 break up a pass to tight end Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders in the end zone during the second quarter at StubHub Center on October 7, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers is hit short of the goal line by Marquel Lee #55 and Marcus Gilchrist #31 of the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter at StubHub Center on October 7, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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Reggie Nelson #27 and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie #45 of the Oakland Raiders tackles Carlos Hyde #34 of the Cleveland Browns short of a first down during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Lee Smith #86 of the Oakland Raiders gets tackled by E.J. Gaines #28 of the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Conley #21 of the Oakland Raiders intercepts a pass intended for Antonio Callaway #11 of the Cleveland Browns and runs in back for a touchown at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders looks on from the sidelines against the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Jakeem Grant #19 of the Miami Dolphins runs for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Hard Rock Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)
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Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders rushes in for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
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The Miami Dolphins celebrate after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Hard Rock Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
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Kenny Stills #10 of the Miami Dolphins makes the catch for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Hard Rock Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
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Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders looks to pass during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
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Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Miami Dolphins runs for yardage during the first quarter against Oakland Raiders at Hard Rock Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
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Jordy Nelson #82 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates with Martavis Bryant #12 after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
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Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders rushing for yardage during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
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Running back Royce Freeman #28 of the Denver Broncos dives into the end zone with a third quarter touchdown against the Oakland Raiders at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on September 16, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
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Running back Royce Freeman #28 of the Denver Broncos rushes and avoids a tackle attempt by defensive back Erik Harris #25 of the Oakland Raiders at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on September 16, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
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Running back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders is tackled by linebacker Todd Davis #51 of the Denver Broncos in the second quarter of a game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on September 16, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
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Wide receiver Martavis Bryant #12 of the Oakland Raiders is hit by defensive back Tramaine Brock #22 of the Denver Broncos int he second quarter of a game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on September 16, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
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Defensive back Rashaan Melvin #22 of the Oakland Raiders intercepts a pass intended for tight end Jake Butt #80 of the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on September 16, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
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Kicker Mike Nugent #6 of the Oakland Raiders kicks a first quarter field goal as punter Johnny Townsend #5 holds during a game against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on September 16, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
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Running back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders is hit by defensive back Darian Stewart #26 of the Denver Broncos during the first quarter of a game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on September 16, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
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Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders throws a pass during the first quarter of a game against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on September 16, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
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Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders looks on during warm ups prior to their NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Todd Gurley #30 of the Los Angeles Rams runs for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders rushes for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in the first quarter of their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders runs for a 45-yard catch against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Todd Gurley #30 of the Los Angeles Rams is tackled by Marcus Gilchrist #31 of the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams sacks Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders with the help of Michael Brockers #90 of the Los Angeles Rams at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders in action against the Los Angeles Rams at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Raiders finished the season at 4-12, equal to the worst campaign of coach Jon Gruden’s career.
This game featured a few individual bright spots, but it brought a proper end to a disappointing season that started with high hopes before turning into a full-scale roster rebuild.
Raiders nowhere close to catching KC: The Chiefs are the AFC West’s gold standard. They have won three straight division titles, while the Raiders are mired in last place and in the midst of a full-scale rebuild. The Raiders have lost eight of their last nine games to Kansas City, and must do so eventually to start consistently competing for playoff positions. The Chiefs are vastly superior, especially with Pat Mahomes at quarterback. That was clear on Sunday evening, where a talent chasm was on full display.
Gruden has a major project ahead, one that must include several quality drafts and free-agent signings, to leapfrog the Chiefs and L.A. Chargers and rate among a talented division’s best teams. The Raiders finished 1-5 in the division, and improving that mark will be the first sign of progress reconstructing the franchise.
Raiders draft pick remains high: The Silver and Black acquired two 2019 first-round draft picks by trading Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper. Those selections have lost serious value. The Bears and Cowboys won their division, meaning those picks will be in the 20s at best.
The Raiders will have a high pick, however, thanks to their own disappointing season. Their loss to Kansas City, combined with other results across the NFL, locked the Raiders into the No. 4 overall selection.
That’s high enough to draft a premium defensive player, even without a deep quarterback class and a possible early run on pass rushers.
That also means the Raiders would have the No. 35 overall pick. By rule, teams with equal record flop positions every other round. The first round tiebreaker is determined by strength of schedule.
Derek Carr’s no-interception streak snapped: Raiders quarterback threw 322 consecutive passes without an interception. Only three quarterbacks in NFL history went that long without a pick. Carr’s streak didn’t go any further after tight end Jared Cook stopped running a route when he was targeted, resulting in Chiefs safety Daniel Sorenson’s pick 6.
While Carr has had three picks dropped during the streak, the one that counts wasn’t his fault. The ball was in the air when Cook’s route stopped.
Sunday’s next interception, however, was on Carr. He didn’t see Reggie Ragland sit on Jordy Nelson’s route, and the linebacker cut it off and rumbled well downfield on the return.
Picks weren’t Carr’s only issue with ball security. He held onto the ball a smidge too long and left tackle Kolton Miller got beat off the edge, allowing Justin Houston to strip sack the ball away.
Carr had a few positive milestones on Sunday, exceeding 4,000 passing yards for the first time in his career and broke the record for most completions in quarterback’s first five seasons.
A rough finish to the year -- Carr never plays well at Arrowhead Stadium -- doesn’t change the fact the signal caller run Jon Gruden’s offense well, especially as the year wore on. Another offseason in the system, and some upgrades at receiver, should help Carr take another positive step in 2019.
