Cold may be gripping most of the United States, but it hit the Oakland Raiders long ago.

The Raiders are 0-10. They haven’t won a football game in more than a year. They have no choice but to keep trying, and they’re part of the Thursday night action against the hot but visiting Kansas City Chiefs (7-3), who have won seven of their last eight games.

It’s not as if the Raiders are completely hopeless (or maybe they are). Quarterback Derek Carr leads all rookies in passing yards (2,075) and his 13 touchdown passes are a club rookie record. The Raiders, however, balance that with the NFL’s worst running game.

The Raiders fired coach Dennis Allen after an 0-4 start. Interim coach Tony Sparano hasn’t proved to be the reincarnation of Vince Lombardi.

SUNDAY GAMES WE’RE WATCHING

 
Detroit Lions (7-3) at New England Patriots (8-2): The Patriots have won six in a row this season and 14 in a row at home.

Arizona Cardinals (9-1) at Seattle Seahawks (6-4): The Cardinals lead the NFC West and have won five in a row. We know about the Seahawks’ home-field advantage in their raucous and noisy stadium, but the Cardinals are one of two teams to win there in the past three seasons.

Miami Dolphins (6-4) at Denver Broncos (7-3): If games were one minute shorter, the Dolphins would be 8-2, having fallen to the Green Bay Packers and Lions in late disasters. They’re maddeningly inconsistent and often slow-starting, which will create huge problems against Denver’s pass rush.

Today’s Question

Which games will you be watching, and why?

Answers in the comment box, please.
 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman .