Raiders Secure Win and No. 1 Pick as Chiefs Face Uncertainty in Week 18 Finale
The 2025-26 NFL regular season concluded with a strange, defensive struggle in the desert that perfectly encapsulated the seasons for both the Las Vegas Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs. In a game devoid of touchdowns but heavy on drama, the Raiders secured a 14-12 victory over their AFC West rivals at Allegiant Stadium.
While the game itself was a grind, defined by field goals and defensive scores, the implications of Sunday afternoon extend far beyond the final score. Both teams entered Week 18 eliminated from playoff contention, a rare scenario for Kansas City and a familiar one for Las Vegas. However, as they head into the offseason, the trajectories of these two franchises feel like they are at pivotal crossroads.
Here are the major takeaways from a season finale that offered a glimpse into the future for both organizations.
Las Vegas Finds a Building Block in Tyree Wilson
The Raiders entered this game with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft already locked up. In many scenarios, teams in this position might sleepwalk through the final sixty minutes. Instead, Las Vegas showed a flash of what their defense could become, led by Tyree Wilson.
Wilson was a force of nature against the Kansas City backfield. His stat line was the stuff of defensive coordinator dreams: multiple sacks, a forced fumble and a safety that proved crucial to the final margin. When Wilson sacked Shane Buechele in the end zone, it wasn’t just two points on the board. It was a validation of his draft pedigree and a signal that he can be a cornerstone pass rusher.
For a team that has struggled to find consistent defensive identity outside of Maxx Crosby, Wilson’s emergence in the season finale is massive. It gives the front office confidence that they have an elite pairing on the edges. Combined with Tonka Hemingway’s 11-yard sack and Charles Snowden’s early disruption, the Raiders proved they have pieces in place to make life difficult for quarterbacks next season.
The Legend of Travis Kelce
There was an undeniable heaviness in the air regarding Kansas City’s roster. While the focus is often on the future, Sunday forced everyone to reflect on the past and the legacy of one of the greatest to ever play the game.
If this was indeed the final time Travis Kelce suits up, the NFL is losing a titan. The numbers are staggering to review. Over his illustrious career, Kelce has amassed 1,080 receptions and 13,002 yards, finding the end zone 82 times. But his impact goes beyond the regular season. He is an 11-time Pro Bowler, a 4-time First-Team All-Pro and a three-time Super Bowl champion.
His postseason resume is arguably even more impressive, with 178 receptions for 2,078 yards and 20 touchdowns. Those aren’t just statistics. They represent a decade of dominance where he redefined the tight end position. He wasn’t just a safety valve; he was the engine of a dynasty.
Watching the Chiefs in Week 18, it was impossible not to feel the weight of potential change. If Kelce walks away, he leaves as the greatest tight end in history. Replacing his production is impossible, but replacing his leadership and connection with Patrick Mahomes will be the organization’s toughest challenge in years.
The Value of a Culture Win
Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson has been one of the few constants in Las Vegas, and he reminded everyone of his value as the clock ticked down. His 60-yard field goal to win the game was a masterclass in poise.
For a team finishing at the bottom of the standings, wins like this matter. They prevent the locker room from checking out. They validate the “Commitment to Excellence” that Maxx Crosby voted the winner of the team award for the fifth straight year preaches daily.
Winning 14-12 without scoring a touchdown is an “ugly win” by definition, but for Las Vegas, it was beautiful. It showed that despite a disappointing year, the fight remains. They managed to beat their bitter rivals, secure the top pick in the draft, and end the season on a buzzer-beater. That is a trifecta that will make the offseason slightly more palatable for the fan base.
Kansas City’s Offensive Reset
On the other side, the Chiefs displayed the same offensive sputtering that plagued them throughout this surprising non-playoff season. The fact that Kansas City failed to score a touchdown in the finale is emblematic of their year.
Harrison Butker was once again the reliable source of points, hitting four field goals, including a 47-yarder. However, field goals don’t sustain dynasties. The offense struggled to protect the football, with Chris Oladokun coughing up a fumble recovered by Darien Porter and another strip-sack recovered by JJ Pegues.
The quarterback play was disjointed, with sacks piling up and an interception thrown by Kenny Pickett to Chamarri Conner being one of the few defensive highlights for KC. The lack of rhythm and explosiveness was glaring. For a team that has set the standard for offensive excellence for half a decade, this season serves as a harsh reality check. The aura of invincibility is gone. They look like a team that needs a significant influx of talent and a schematic refresh.
The 2026 Draft Landscape Shifts
Perhaps the most significant takeaway from Week 18 is the confirmed draft order. The NFL landscape is set for a shakeup.
The Raiders officially hold the keys to the offseason with the No. 1 overall pick. This is the asset that changes franchises. They have the defense showing signs of life and weapons like Michael Mayer, who had a nice 23-yard catch in this game. Now, they have the capital to select their quarterback of the future or trade back for a historic haul.
Conversely, the Chiefs find themselves in uncharted territory. Kansas City will select 9th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. It has been years since they picked inside the top 10. While the season was a failure by their standards, this pick is a silver lining. It guarantees them a blue-chip prospect. Whether they target a premier offensive tackle to protect Mahomes or an elite playmaker to revitalize the receiving corps, the Chiefs have the ammunition to reload quickly.
