Chiefs vs. Raiders Week 18 Set: Milestones and Draft Position at Stake
The NFL has officially finalized the schedule for the final week of the 2025 regular season, and for the Kansas City Chiefs, the curtain will close on a disappointing campaign late Sunday afternoon. The league announced late Sunday night that the Chiefs’ Week 18 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders will take place at Allegiant Stadium with kickoff set for 3:25 p.m. CT on CBS.
For a franchise accustomed to resting starters ahead of a playoff bye or fighting for the AFC’s No. 1 seed, this year offers a starkly different reality. Sitting at 6-10, Kansas City has been eliminated from postseason contention, marking the first time since 2014 that the Chiefs will not participate in the playoffs. However, characterizing this game as entirely meaningless would be a mistake. While the Super Bowl hopes are dead, there is still plenty on the line regarding personal history, financial incentives and the future of the franchise.
Travis Kelce Chasing History in Potential Farewell
The most compelling narrative heading into Sunday afternoon surrounds tight end Travis Kelce. In what has been a trying season for the offense, the future Hall of Famer finds himself on the brink of another significant milestone. Kelce enters the season finale with 12,990 career receiving yards. He needs just 57 yards against the Raiders to surpass Jason Witten (13,046 yards) and move into second place all time among tight ends in receiving yards.
If he achieves this, Kelce would trail only fellow Chiefs legend Tony Gonzalez, who sits atop the mountain with 15,127 yards. Beyond the statistics, there is a heavy emotional component to this contest. Speculation regarding Kelce’s retirement has swirled throughout this difficult 2025 season. If this is indeed his last dance, exiting the game as the second most prolific receiving tight end in NFL history would serve as a fitting consolation prize. Observers should expect quarterback Chris Oladokun and the offensive game plan to prioritize getting No. 87 the ball early and often to secure his place in the record books before the clock hits zero.
Financial Incentives Driving Veteran Performance
While Kelce plays for history, other veterans on the roster will be playing for their bank accounts. Despite the team’s struggles, the front office and coaching staff are likely aware of the contract incentives within reach for key offensive contributors.
Wide receiver Hollywood Brown has a lucrative afternoon ahead of him if he can find the end zone. Brown currently has 46 receptions for 523 yards and five touchdowns. If he can secure two touchdown catches against Las Vegas, he will trigger a $500,000 incentive for reaching seven touchdowns on the season. Additionally, a big day through the air could net him even more. Brown needs 102 receiving yards to cross the 625-yard threshold, which would unlock another $125,000.
In the backfield, Kareem Hunt also has money on the line. The veteran running back has played 48 percent of the offensive snaps this season. If he can push that number to 50 percent in Week 18, he earns a $125,000 playtime incentive. Furthermore, Hunt is only 31 yards away from reaching 750 scrimmage yards for the year, a milestone that carries a $25,000 bonus. While the Chiefs may want to evaluate younger talent, these financial realities often influence rotation decisions in the final week of the season.
Draft Implications and the Youth Movement
From an organizational standpoint, the outcome of this game significantly impacts the 2026 NFL Draft. Kansas City currently holds the No. 9 overall pick. A loss, combined with other results around the league, could cement a top 10 selection, offering a silver lining to a lost year. Conversely, the Raiders appear to be in full tank mode. Following a loss to the Giants and an injury to quarterback Geno Smith, Las Vegas is expected to start Kenny Pickett. A loss for the Raiders would guarantee them the No. 1 overall pick, a prize they are clearly coveting.
This game also serves as a final evaluation period for Kansas City’s younger core. The coaching staff is expected to give extended looks to players like Dameon Pierce, Jalen Royals, and Brashard Smith. The team needs to determine who is part of the solution for 2026. Discipline will also be a focus. Tackle Kingsley Suamataia is currently facing scrutiny from the NFL Officiating Department regarding an unnecessary roughness penalty during the Christmas Day loss to Denver. The league is reviewing the incident, and a fine could be forthcoming. Cleaning up these mental errors is a priority for head coach Andy Reid as the team heads into the offseason.
While the Lombardi Trophy is out of reach, the personal stakes for Kelce, Brown and Hunt ensure that the 2025 finale will be far from a casual exhibition.
