5 bold predictions for the Chiefs against the Raiders

The Kansas City Chiefs are back in the thick of things in the AFC West with a game against the Las Vegas Raiders giving them a prime opportunity.

Despite their miserable start to the 2021 season, the Chiefs have time to set things right.

A victory over Green Bay drew them level with five wins to match the other three teams in the AFC West.

The is division wide open, so Sunday’s game against the Raiders has extra importance.

5 bold predictions for Chiefs vs Raiders

Derek Carr will have a better QB rating than Patrick Mahomes

For the first time since 2016, Derek Carr has a higher passer rating than his Chiefs’ counterpart coming into the AFC West rivalry game, per Josh Dubow of the AP.

That says more about the state of Patrick Mahomes’ season than any change to what Carr brings to the table.

Mahomes has looked out of sorts for long stretches this year. It’s become a bigger concern in recent weeks with the defense finally starting to show up a bit more reliably. Sunday’s game against the Packers was only in doubt because the Chiefs’ offense struggled to break through for points.

This week they’re up against a Raiders defense that has generally performed well against the pass. They create pressure and don’t give up a ton of yards.

It’ll be easier for Carr to have a strong outing than Mahomes this week. Though the Chiefs’ defensive front might have something to say about that…