A few thoughts on the Oakland Raiders' 26-24 win over the Buffalo Bills:
What it means: Oakland is fighting to the end. The 3-12 Raiders closed out their home slate with three straight wins -- all over teams with winning records. The win also eliminated Buffalo from the playoffs.
Stock watch: Defense is up. The unit was very strong in this game. Oakland had a good pass rush, sacking Buffalo quarterback Kyle Orton twice and intercepting him twice. It was a big improvement from a rough outing in Kansas City in Week 15.
Busy day for kicker, punter: Oakland kicker Sebastian Janikowski booted four field goals of 45, 36, 38 and 49. Janikowski has made 19 of 22 field goal attempts this season. He has made six in the past two games. Punter Marquette King punted six times and has now punted 100 times this season. It’s a team record and just 14 off the NFL record for punts in a season.
Game ball: Linebacker Khalil Mack. The rookie outside linebacker had one of his best games of a strong season. He had five tackles including his fourth sack,and three quarterback pressures. Mack has avoided the rookie wall and keeps getting better.
What's next: The Raiders end the season Sunday at Denver. Oakland has followed each win with a loss this season. If Oakland wins Sunday, it will be 4-12 for the third straight season.
