Cleveland could not muster anything on offense for more than half of the game. The Browns came alive after a few Derek Carr turnovers to take the lead but Carr had one more trick up his sleeve. The Fresno State product led his team down the field to set up a last second field goal attempt from Daniel Carlson. Carlson snuck the first attempt inside the field goal posts but stand-in head coach Mike Priefer had called a timeout. However, on the second attempt, Carlson was true -- unlike Chase McLaughlin in a similar situation in the first half.
Las Vegas remains alive in the AFC playoff picture but both teams face an uphill climb with the season drawing to its conclusion.
Why the Raiders won
These two teams were pretty similar but Las Vegas was more consistent. The offense was able to whittle away at the Cleveland defense in the first half to jump out to a 10-0 lead. Prior to the half ending, the Browns lined up for a last-second field goal attempt. McLaughlin snuck the first one inside the uprights but Las Vegas had called a timeout. On his second attempt, McLaughlin was off. The game was decided by two points.
Two second-half turnovers nearly outdid them but it was Carr's ability to compartmentalize those mistakes and move on to guide the Raiders on a game-winning drive.
Why the Browns lost
Cleveland had less than 100 yards of total offense in the first half. It wasted a half of football by scoring zero points and, given the circumstances, did not have the offense to face a steep deficit. There was no fatal flaw but rather an accumulation of small errors from penalties to missed tackles and more. On the second to last offensive play, the Browns' defense had tight end Foster Moreau dead to rights inbounds and short of a first down. Instead, they inexplicably did not tackle him and allowed him to squeeze out roughly an additional 5 yards. It cost them crucial time and field positioning. Cleveland made Moreau look like Tyreek Hill in open space all evening.
Play of the game
Is there any doubt?
With three seconds remaining, Carlson lined up for a 48-yard field goal attempt. After driving 41 yards in 1 minute, 50 seconds, the snap was back, the kick was up and it went through the uprights. When the dust had settled and the shock subsided, Cleveland had called a timeout. Carlson would have to make the same kick a second time. On the second try, with ice water running through his veins, the kicker drilled the game-winner more true than the first attempt.
What's next?
The Browns are in a dire situation now. A victory would have catapulted them to first place inside the division but a loss dropped them to fourth. They have three games remaining against the Packers, Steelers and Bengals.
The Raiders are also tied for last place in the AFC West. They have two home games remaining against the Broncos and Chargers with a road game against the Colts sandwiched in the middle.