Raiders just turned up the heat on the Jets in ongoing tank war

The New York Jets may not be intentionally trying to lose games, but they're certainly not doing everything in their power to win over the final few weeks of the season.

The Jets organization is well aware that evaluation matters more than wins at this stage of the season, and if that evaluation happens to lead to improved draft position, the team certainly won’t complain.

From starting Brady Cook at quarterback to shutting down Garrett Wilson for the season, it’s become abundantly clear that the Jets’ priorities have shifted firmly toward evaluation rather than chasing short-term wins.

It’s a smart strategy — one that figures to help the Jets move closer to their ultimate goal. Unfortunately for the Jets, they aren’t the only team employing it. The Las Vegas Raiders appear to be doing the same.

The Raiders are trying to out-tank the Jets

The Raiders officially placed star tight end Brock Bowers on injured reserve on Wednesday, ending his season with two games remaining. The stated reason was a lingering knee injury he’s been dealing with, but the timing of the move hardly feels coincidental.

Bowers suffered the knee injury early in the season and missed a few games months ago, but he hadn’t even appeared on the injury report in recent weeks. It’s hard to miss why this move was made.

The 2–13 Raiders remain tied with the New York Giants for the worst record in the NFL and are just days away from a pivotal tank showdown with their fellow basement-dwellers in a matchup that could very well determine which team ends up with the No. 1 overall pick in April.

The following week, the Raiders will host the Chris Oladokun–led Kansas City Chiefs in their season finale. While Las Vegas has been one of the NFL’s worst teams this year, those are still two very winnable games — and the front office clearly recognizes that.

Bowers leads the Raiders in receptions (64), receiving yards (680), and touchdown catches (7) this season despite playing just 12 games. Las Vegas already ranks dead-last in yards per game with Bowers — imagine what this offense will look like without him.

The Raiders scored a grand total of 26 points in three games without Bowers earlier this season, including losses of 40-6 and 31-0 at the hands of the Indianapolis Colts and Kansas City Chiefs, respectively.

The Raiders are well aware of the situation they find themselves in. They are going to do everything within their power to secure that No. 1 overall pick, even if it means shutting down star players with "nagging injuries."

Call it craftiness. Call it gamesmanship. Call it whatever you'd like. The tank wars are now on full display, and the Jets might have just been outdone.