Raiders at Chiefs: Game preview, odds, prediction
The Oakland Raiders travel to Arrowhead Stadium to face the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday Night Football.
Thursday Night Football on Dec. 6 will feature an AFC West showdown when the Kansas City Chiefs (9-3) host the Oakland Raiders (10-2). First place in the division is at stake, as Kansas City can move into a tie for the lead with a win. Should they win, they’ll also hold a very important tiebreaker over Oakland, as the Chiefs beat them earlier this season. Not only that, the winner is almost guaranteed a first round bye while the loser will have to play on the road in the first round of the playoffs.
The Raiders got a huge win on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. After falling behind earlier, Oakland scored 29 unanswered points to pull off a 38-24 win. They rely heavily on their offense, led by quarterback Derek Carr. Latavius Murray, DeAndre Washington, and Jalen Richard form an impressive rushing attack trio. Oakland ranks third in points per game, fourth in passing yards per game, and seventh in rushing yards per game.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs surprised the Atlanta Falcons on the road, beating them 29-28. Unlike Oakland, Kansas City tends to rely on their strong defense. However, in recent weeks, the Chiefs have gotten a lot out of their offense. They put up 30 points against an impressive Broncos defense (though nine of those points were due to a safety and return touchdown) and 29 against the Falcons.
Odds
Spread: Kansas City (-3.5)
Money line: Raiders +155, Chiefs -175
Over/Under: 47.5
Because these two teams’ strengths will be going against each other, this should be an interesting matchup. It will be key for the Chiefs to put pressure on Carr and his dislocated finger early, allowing their secondary to make plays. If they let him get comfortable, he’ll carve them apart like he has done to many teams this season.
Meanwhile, the Raiders must get on the board early. Doing so will force the Chiefs to play from behind. They are a very different team when they have to play catchup. Also, Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin have to generate consistent pressure on Alex Smith.
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The spread close for a very good reason, as Oakland and Kansas City are evenly matched. This should be one of the better Thursday Night Football games of the 2016 season. However, beating the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium is one of the most difficult tasks in all of sports. It might be one the Raiders aren’t quite ready to do just yet. Until they can do it, trust Kansas City at home.
Prediction: Kansas City 27, Oakland 24