Raiders beaming over their first AFC West title in a decade.

Byline: Ann Killion

OAKLAND, Calif. _ It might not be the most conventional Yuletide celebration ever _ Skullman and the Intimidator, a sea of black jersies and Santa hats, showers of Gatorade, AC-DC blasting _ but it will suit the Raiders just fine.

The Raiders got the best gift of all on Sunday _ an AFC West division title. And they won it in the best way _ on the final Sunday of the regular season, without anyone's help, in a dominating fashion.

"It came down to Week 16, Christmas Eve, at our place," said damp and jubilant coach Jon Gruden. "We were coming off a very tough loss and we had to respond. We watched the Denver game. We knew what was at stake.

"I don't care what our record is against Denver," Gruden added, fiercely. "We got this belt. We got this title."

The Raiders didn't back in. They didn't need the help of the loathed 49ers who _ to borrow a quote from Phil Simms _ lay down like dogs in Denver. The Raiders may have been swept …