Raiders at Chiefs: Preview, prediction, odds and pick

KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 26: Quarterback Alex Smith
KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 26: Quarterback Alex Smith /
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The Oakland Raiders will look to stay on the right track against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, as they battle it out for first place in the AFC West.

The Oakland Raiders will head into Kansas City with first place on the line this Sunday, as a win would move them past the Chiefs in the AFC West. The Chiefs were the dominant team in the division through the first five weeks of the season, as they raced out to a 5-0 start. Since then, the Chiefs have won only one of their last seven games, and have been beaten by some pretty bad teams in the process.

Early in the year, the Chiefs were rolling on both sides of the ball, and quarterback Alex Smith was playing at an MVP level. He has certainly come back to earth, and without much production from rookie running back Kareem Hunt, this offense has been stagnant. To make matters worse, their defense has been absolutely putrid, and they will have to take on the Raiders without star cornerback Marcus Peters, who has been suspended for this game by the team.

Oakland beat the New York Giants without both Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree last weekend, though they did get a 107-yard effort from running back Marshawn Lynch. Crabtree will definitely be back this weekend, and he is fresh off a game-winning touchdown against the Chiefs the last time these two teams met. Oakland might be peaking at the right time, and can control their own destiny if they can win out.

Odds

Line: Kansas City Chiefs (-4.0)

Over/Under: 47.0

The Raiders are underdogs on the road in this one, as the Chiefs are currently giving them four points. The over/under is set at 47.0 points, which may be too high if both of these teams come to play on Sunday. This line will change a lot throughout the week, so head on over to OddsShark.com for any changes up until kickoff.

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Prediction

The Raiders have struggled to win in Kansas City, and have not swept the season series from the Chiefs in five years. That will change on Sunday, as they should be able to go into Arrowhead and beat a Chiefs team that is really reeling right now. This one will be close throughout, but Carr should be able to make some plays down the stretch to pull out the huge road victory.

Final Score: Raiders 21, Chiefs 17