NFL Power Rankings: Cardinals rise, Packers fall in Week 17

Dec 24, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) runs the ball against the San Diego Chargers during overtime at O.co Coliseum. The Oakland Raiders defeated the San Diego Chargers 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

19. OAKLAND RAIDERS (7-8)

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The Oakland Raiders can see the 2015 season as a success, and they entered Christmas Day with a seventh victory on the year after defeating the San Diego Chargers 23-20. It wasn’t pretty, but they got the job done.

Derek Carr went 23-of-38 for 204 yards, one touchdown and an interception. The defense has plenty of defending to do as the Chargers ran 49 pass plays and 25 runs. But despite giving up 343 total yards, the Raiders allowed just 20 points.

Carr looks like an excellent young quarterback and continued to improve in 2015. There is still plenty for him to improve on in 2016, but he could well be the best quarterback to come out of the 2014 NFL Draft. Blake Bortles has the potential to become a solid player, and Teddy Bridgewater continues to grow into his role in Minnesota. But Carr appears to have the most upside.

Raiders fans can be excited with the way the offense is trending. Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree form a strong duo at receiver, and Latavius Murray is a capable running back. It’s going to be interesting to see what pieces they add in the offseason.

Next: No. 18