The Kansas City Chiefs will host an NFL game on “Black Friday for the first time in league history. The Chiefs (10-1) enter this game welcoming the struggling Las Vegas Raiders (2-9) to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium for a 5:00 p.m. EDT kickoff, exclusively aired on Amazon Prime.
Kansas City has already faced Las Vegas this season, in Week 8 on the road where they defeated the Raiders 27-20. That victory in Week 8 was part of a seven-game losing streak for Las Vegas. This time around, if the Chiefs can sweep the Raiders they will have an opportunity to clinch a playoff spot, pending other results.
As for Las Vegas despite their 2-9 record, the Raiders have shown resilience, with injuries plaguing their season, particularly at quarterback. This AFC West faceoff serves as a crucial test for both teams, as Kansas City eyes securing their postseason seeding, Las Vegas aims to salvage pride.
Game/Team Matchup Info
The Kansas City Chiefs enter this contest as 12.5-point favorites, with the over/under at 42.5 according to ESPN. The Chiefs also enter this game with one of the league’s top defenses, ranking fourth in total yards allowed and third in rushing defense even with their lackluster showings the past two weeks. On the other side of the ball, their offense in recent weeks has started to get it together, but for the majority of this season, they have struggled with consistency, despite ranking 10th in scoring.
The Raiders, on the other hand, rank near the bottom of the league in several offensive categories. Starting with their run game which ranks dead last in the NFL, and their scoring output ranks 26th. However, on the defensive side of the ball Las Vegas is slightly better, ranking 14th in total defense but they allow nearly 29 points per game.
This game also features two teams on opposite trajectories. Kansas City has won seven of the last eight matchups against Las Vegas, while the Raiders’ last win against the Chefs came during the 2023 season on Christmas Day.
Kansas City Chiefs Blueprint To Victory
The Chiefs continuing to build on their offensive momentum from their two last games will be essential. Patrick Mahomes for the first time this season has had back-to-back three-touchdown performances, showcasing improved chemistry with his receiving corps. Despite Kansas City securing close victories, for much of this season, their offense does seem to have finally found its rhythm.
Another element to consider this week is the possible return of Running Back Isiah Pacheco would help improve KC’s offense. Pacheco has only played in two games this season, and in those games he had 34 carries, averaging four yards per carry for 135 yards and a touchdown. Adding his explosive running style to this Chiefs offense which has not been good in the explosive plays department this season would be another move in the right direction for this offense that seems to be on the uptick.
Defensively, the Chiefs need a bounce-back performance. Over the past two weeks, they have surrendered 27 or more points to their two opponents and have given up several explosive plays in the process. Regardless of the stats, this unit has shown more cracks than usual, and this is the perfect week to get back on track. Especially with the Chiefs also having the possible return of defensive end Charles Omenihu, who last played in the AFC Championship against the Ravens.
Omenihu recorded career highs in tackles (28), sacks (seven), and forced fumbles (two) last season. His pass-rushing ability is something the Chiefs have desperately been lacking this season, and his returns this week could be the beginning of fixing an issue that has plagued the Chiefs throughout this season.
Las Vegas Raiders’ Challenges and Opportunities
The Raiders’ biggest concern this week is the uncertainty at quarterback after injuries to both Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew. Although O’Connell, did return to practice this week after a thumb injury, as of now he remains a game-time decision. If he is unable to go then the team has decided they would go with backup Desmond Ridder to start.
Despite their struggles this season, there has been some glimmer of if not only for the future of this season. That being in rookie tight end Brock Bowers. Bowers currently leads the Raiders with 744 receiving yards, which is the second-most by a rookie tight end through 11 games in NFL history. His ability to generate big plays has been on a historic level among rookies that have come before him, and he is without question the Raiders’ biggest offensive weapon.
Defensively, the Raiders will have to find a way to contain Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense. While their defense has performed better against the pass, their struggles in scoring defense could spell trouble against Kansas City’s potent offense. However, they do have players like Maxx Crosby, Robert Spillane, and Trev’on Moherig among others that have provided some life on this end of the ball, if nothing else will give them opportunities to cause as much disruption as they can in their respective assignments.
Kansas City Chiefs Players to Watch
Patrick Mahomes remains the centerpiece of Kansas City’s offense. His recent performances indicate growing confidence and improved chemistry with his pass catchers. Even so, this week’s player to watch on the offensive side of the ball is Isiah Pacheco. When healthy, Pacheco was the spark provider for Kansas City, and it seems he will have to be so once again because this team is about the middle of the pack in the NFL in terms of creating explosive plays which used to be a signature of the Chiefs.
As of now, it is uncertain if Pacheco did end up playing on Friday, and how much time on the field he would even see, but any time at all paired along with Kareem Hunt would be enough to give this offense a dynamic they have no had this season, with the two of them in the backfield together, and we may be a few days away from witness exactly what this would look like for ourselves.
Keeping to form with the reinforcements, defensively for the Chiefs Charles Omenihu is the player to watch for Kansas City this week. Similarly to Pacheco, it is still uncertain if and how much he will play this week, but anytime on the field has the opportunity to be game-changing. Omenihu is known for his relentless ability as a pass rusher, something this team has been lacking this season. Additionally facing a banged-up Raiders team, his impact even in a limited role has the chance to completely turn this game on its head.
Las Vegas Raiders Players to Watch
Rookie tight end Brock Bowers is the offensive player to watch in this one and the reason is pretty cut and dry. He’s on a historic type of run in his first season in the NFL, and despite all of the disappointment around him, he has yet to slow down. Bowers currently has 30 receptions of 10 or more yards which is tied for eighth most in the NFL and tied for the most among tight ends.
He also has 395 yards after the catch which is seventh most in the NFL and most in the NFL among tight ends, he also has 38 receiving first downs which is tied for sixth in the NFL and first among tight ends.
On the defensive end, the player to watch for the Raiders is Linebacker Robert Spillane. He leads their team in total tackles with 102, and the next closest player has 73. Spillane is also second on the team for tackles for loss with seven on the season. His ability to disrupt in the middle of the field will be vital this week for Las Vegas. Given the possible return of Pacheco, and the Chiefs’ offensive mentality this season with rely more on their run game to then open up passing opportunities. Spillane will have the chance to play a major role in limiting them as much as possible and forcing the Chiefs to have to adjust to them.
Final Thoughts
This matchup presents contrasting stakes for both teams. The Kansas City with a win have a chance to secure a playoff spot and continue their dominance of the AFC West. The Las Vegas Raiders are in desperation mode, seeking a win to end their seven-game skid and find some resemblance of confidence once again.
Historically, on paper, anyway, the Chiefs have the clear advantage. However, when it comes to divisional games, they often produce unexpected outcomes. With playoff implications for Kansas City and pride on the line for Las Vegas, this game can be set up to be another classic holiday performance from either team in Arrowhead Stadium.
