Raiders fumble away playoff hopes with 20-17 loss to Cowboys

Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch (24) hurdles over Dallas Cowboys defensive end Tyrone Crawford (98) as he runs with the football during the first half of a NFL game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Dallas Cowboys running back Alfred Morris (46) runs with the football as Oakland Raiders cornerback Dexter McDonald (23) misses a tackle during the first half of a NFL game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch (24) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) during the first half of a NFL game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Oakland Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) pressures Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) during the first half of a NFL game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch (24) tries to break a tackle by Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) during the first half of a NFL game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) drops back to pass against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of a NFL game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Oakland Raiders cornerback Sean Smith (21) intercepts a pass intended for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) as strong safety Keith McGill (39) and free safety Reggie Nelson (27) come in to celebrate during the first half of a NFL game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Oakland Raiders cornerback Sean Smith (21) celebrates his intercepted pass with linebacker Shilique Calhoun (91), cornerback Dexter McDonald (23) and strong safety Keith McGill (39) during the first half of a NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) scrambles with the football against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of a NFL game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Dallas Cowboys tight end James Hanna (84) catches a pass as Oakland Raiders cornerback Sean Smith (21) comes in to tackle him during the first half of a NFL game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Dallas Cowboys fullback Keith Smith (41) spikes the football after running back Rod Smith (45) scores during the first half of a NFL game against the Oakland Raiders in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Dallas Cowboys running back Rod Smith (45) scores a 1-yard rushing touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of a NFL game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) drops back to pass during the first half of a NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) drops back to pass as offensive tackle Marshall Newhouse (73) battles with Dallas Cowboys defensive end Tyrone Crawford (98) during the first half of a NFL game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) sacks Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) during the first half of a NFL game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) comes in to pressure Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) as offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) tries to prevent a sack during the first half of a NFL game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch (24) runs with the football as Dallas Cowboys nose tackle Richard Ash (76) comes in to tackle him during the first half of a NFL game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Dallas Cowboys running back Alfred Morris (46) runs past Oakland Raiders cornerback Dexter McDonald (23) during the first half of a NFL game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Oakland Raiders offensive tackle Donald Penn (72) is looked at by trainers after being hurt during the first half of a NFL game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Switzer (10) runs with the ball on a punt return against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of a NFL game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Dallas Cowboys running back Rod Smith (45) rushes with the football as Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Justin Ellis (78) comes in for a tackle during the first half of a NFL game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Dallas Cowboys running back Rod Smith (45) is tackled by Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Justin Ellis (78) after a run during the first half of a NFL game in Oakland, Calif.., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Dallas Cowboys tight end James Hanna (84) makes a catch as Oakland Raiders cornerback Sean Smith (21) closes in on him during the first half of a NFL game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) calls an audible at the line of scrimmage during the first half of a NFL game against the Oakland Raiders in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Oakland Raiders fans hold up a sign during the first half of a NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

An Oakland Raiders fan watches the team play the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of a NFL game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) rushes toward the end zone during the first half of a NFL game as Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Darius Latham (75) closes in in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) at the line of scrimmage against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of a NFL game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

An Oakland Raiders fan with a holiday themed mask during the first half of a NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

The Raiderettes make their way onto the field ahead of the Oakland Raiders game against the Dallas Cowboys in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett coaches on the sideline during the first half of a NFL game against the Oakland Raiders in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) drops back to pass as offensive tackle Vadal Alexander (74) keeps Dallas Cowboys defensive end Taco Charlton (97) at bay during the first half of a NFL game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) scrambles with the football as Dallas Cowboys defensive end Demarcus Lawrence (90) closes in during the first half of a NFL game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

The Oakland Raiders are introduced ahead of their game against the Dallas Cowboys in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) warms up prior to the start of their NFL game against the Oakland Raiders in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Oakland Raiders offensive tackle Donald Penn (72) smiles after he is introduced on the field prior to the team's game against the Dallas Cowboys in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) calls a play at the line of scrimmage against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of a NFL game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Dallas Cowboys running back Alfred Morris (46) runs with the football against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of a NFL game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

The Raiderettes perform during the first half of a NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) calls a play at the line of scrimmage during the first half of a NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch (24) runs with the football against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of a NFL game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch (24) carries the football as Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Sean Lee (50) closes in on him during the first half of a NFL game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Anthony Brown (30) deflects a pass intended for Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) during the first half of a NFL game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Oakland Raiders running back DeAndre Washington (33) runs with the football against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of a NFL game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

Oakland Raiders running back DeAndre Washington (33) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis (27) during the first half of a NFL game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

An Oakland Raiders fan is dressed like Santa Claus during the first half of a NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

OAKLAND, Calif. — A thin white index card, small enough to fit into a pocket, light enough to waltz into the air from a faint breeze, was held over a football as 55,372 fans fixated on the drama unfolding. Raiders players and coaches screamed toward the paper. Dallas Cowboys players and coaches hollered, too. A lengthy conversation between officials followed.

Light. Small.

For a moment, the difference.

A fourth-and-1 Dak Prescott quarterback sneak, converted by maybe a millimeter, extended a fourth-quarter drive the Cowboys capped with a go-ahead field goal. The margin for error was minuscule. So was what happened next, as quarterback Derek Carr led the Raiders downfield and dived for a touchdown only to fumble into the end zone for a touchback, resulting in a 20-17 loss at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.

Football is a game of inches. This game was tighter.

With the loss, the Raiders fell to 6-8, all but eliminating them from playoff contention. Had the Tennessee Titans defeated or tied the San Francisco 49ers earlier in the day, this result would’ve officially sunk Oakland’s eligibility. But since the 49ers converted a field goal as time expired, the coroner must wait for an official declaration.

It shouldn’t be long. Formal word appears a formality.

A loss to the Chiefs in Kansas City. A loss to the Cowboys. No matter the margin of the latter, the shortcomings this season all have been too much.

Carr started the game without wide receiver Amari Cooper, inactive with an ankle injury. He ended it without his other most trusted option. Wide receiver Michael Crabtree was forced to the sideline medical tent to be evaluated for a concussion. He was under a collapsible structure for the fateful touchback.

Crabtree had been Carr’s safety net all evening.

The two relived some history, executing a play similar to one from an Oct. 19 thrilling win over the Kansas City Chiefs. On that day, Carr took a snap delivered from the 2-yard line, rolled out and, with no time in regulation remaining, fired a strike at Crabtree’s triple-XL gloves for a game-winning score.

On Sunday, Carr again rolled out for Crabtree, again connected on a 2-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. This one tied the game at 17 with 10 minutes, 40 seconds remaining. In celebration, Crabtree fired a spiral into the bleachers, giving some fan a keepsake from the Raiders’ final regular-season home game of 2017.

It’d turn out, an index card would carry more weight.

The Cowboys’ fourth-down conversion attempt occurred with about five minutes remaining. If unsuccessful, the Raiders would have taken possession at Dallas’ 39-yard line. Instead, coach Jason Garrett was rewarded for the gamble, and wide receiver Dez Bryant caught a 40-yard pass to set up a 19-yard Dan Bailey field goal.

Carr had one final chance for magic.

Teammates hugged and patted him after referee Gene Steratore, who reviewed the touchback, announced the ruling was confirmed. A win was so close for the Raiders on Sunday. Tiny. Minuscule.

Just like their playoff hopes.

More Raiders: Follow all of our Raiders coverage online at reviewjournal.com/Raiders and @NFLinVegas on Twitter.

Contact reporter Michael Gehlken at mgehlken@reviewjournal.com. Follow @GehlkenNFL on Twitter.