The Las Vegas Raiders (6-8) are hoping to end their six-game losing streak to the Kansas City Chiefs (9-5) in K.C. Christmas morning in a 10am Las Vegas time start. The Raiders could also delay the Chiefs clinching their eighth consecutive AFC West title. A K.C. win would secure another division crown on Monday.
The Raiders lost to Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs already this season 31-17 at Allegiant Stadium. Raiders cornerback Jack Jones this week said the Raiders aren’t worried about Kansas City. He said "it’s Patrick Mahomes we’ve got to stop. You stop the magician, then the act is over." The Raiders are hoping to at least contain "the magician." We know about the rivalry between Maxx Crosby and Mahomes. Crosby would have to be an integral part of keeping Mahomes down. In the first meeting, a 31-17 win for the Chiefs, Mahomes threw for 298 yards and two touchdowns at Allegiant.
Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham said this week that his team has to limit explosive plays for the Chiefs. Graham said to stop yards after catch, YAC, the Raiders have to swarm to the ball and gang tackle. Rashee Rice had over 100 receiving yards last month vs Las Vegas. He had a 39 yard catch and run and Travis Kelse also had a big day.
The Raiders offense didn’t play poorly vs the Chiefs, but they need to sustain the same effort for sixty minutes. Josh Jacobs was able to run for 110 yards. The Raiders need to get him started early. Jacobi Meyers and Devante Adams combined for 11 catches in the first meeting.
After scoring 63 points in the last outing against the Chargers, can the Raiders continue to put points on the board Monday or did the Chargers just send it in?
Good news for the Raiders, Josh Jacobs, who is nursing a quad injury, returned to practice Friday. This week Antonio Pierce said if he were a betting man he would think Jacobs would play. Tight end Michael Mayer sat out practice on Thursday and Maxx Crosby rested his knee. Kolton Miller, Raiders left tackle, was limited in practice on Friday too.
For the Chiefs injuries include Kadarius Toney who has been suffering through a hip injury. He missed practice time this week. Running back Isiah Pacheco practiced but is battling through a shoulder injury. Rashee Rice is still hobbled with a hamstring injury. L’Jarius Snead, who Devante Adams picked on in the first meeting, has a knee injury but was a full participant.