NFL Futures: Raiders vs Chiefs on Black Friday

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NFL Futures: Raiders vs Chiefs on Black Friday

The NFL’s unique scheduling presents a Black Friday matchup between AFC West rivals as the Las Vegas Raiders travel east to face the Kansas City Chiefs. The Raiders are struggling through a challenging season, sitting at 2-9 after a 29-19 loss to Denver. Meanwhile, the Chiefs, leading the AFC with a 10-1 record, narrowly defeated the Panthers 30-27 last week. For those interested in NFL Futures, this divisional contest offers insights into how Kansas City’s dominance could impact playoff seeding.

Las Vegas Raiders Aim to Regroup Amid Trouble

The Raiders suffered their seventh consecutive loss last Sunday, pushing them into the AFC West basement. Against Denver, Las Vegas took a 13-9 halftime lead but faltered in the second half. They finished with a slight edge in total offense (369-325) and first downs (21-19) but lost the time-of-possession battle and committed two costly turnovers that set up 10 Broncos points.

Offensively, the Raiders rank 16th in passing yards per game but are last in the league in rushing, averaging just 74.6 yards on the ground. Their starting quarterback, Gardner Minshew, had thrown 2,013 yards, nine touchdowns, and 10 interceptions before suffering a season-ending collarbone injury against Denver.

Aidan O’Connell, who has thrown for 455 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions, is expected to return from a thumb injury to start this game.

Rookie tight end Brock Bowers leads the Raiders in receiving with 744 yards and three touchdowns. Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker provide additional options, while Alexander Mattison leads a struggling ground game. Kicker Daniel Carlson has been reliable, connecting on 22 of 24 field goal attempts this season.

The Raiders face a daunting task against Kansas City, especially given their numerous injuries. Minshew is out for the season, while O’Connell’s availability will be confirmed closer to game time.

Kansas City Chiefs Eye Playoff Domination

The Chiefs continue to build their case as AFC favorites, narrowly escaping Carolina with a 30-27 win last Sunday. Despite allowing the Panthers to tie the game late, Kansas City executed a seven-play, 57-yard drive to set up Spencer Shrader’s game-winning field goal as time expired.

Kansas City’s offense ranks 12th in passing and 18th in rushing, averaging 24.5 points per game. Patrick Mahomes has thrown for 2,673 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while adding 227 rushing yards and a score. Kareem Hunt leads the ground attack with 577 rushing yards and five touchdowns. 

Travis Kelce remains the primary target in the receiving corps, followed by DeAndre Hopkins, Xavier Worthy, and Noah Gray.

Defensively, Kansas City is ninth in scoring, allowing just 19.8 points per game. The Chiefs excel in controlling time of possession and limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities. Their defense will look to capitalize on Las Vegas’ struggling offensive line, which has allowed 32 sacks this season.

The Chiefs also have injury concerns. Kicker Harrison Butker and receiver Rashee Rice are sidelined, with Shrader handling kicking duties. Tight end Peyton Hendershot was placed on injured reserve, and linebacker Cam Jones missed Tuesday’s practice due to illness.

Prediction

The Chiefs lead the all-time series against the Raiders 72-54-2, including a 27-20 win in Las Vegas earlier this season. Divisional games often bring surprises, and despite their contrasting records, this matchup could remain closer than expected. Kansas City’s dominant record includes narrow victories, with eight of their ten wins coming by seven points or less.

While the Chiefs are favorites, Las Vegas has a history of keeping games competitive within the division. The Raiders’ first meeting with Kansas City this season was a one-score game, and they’ll aim to repeat that effort despite significant challenges on both sides of the ball.

The Chiefs are the superior team on paper, but divisional games often defy expectations. Kansas City has struggled to pull away in most games this season, and the Raiders, despite their issues, have shown resilience in keeping games within reach. Expect the Chiefs to win, but Las Vegas to cover the 13.5-point spread.

Prediction: Las Vegas Raiders +13.5