Sunday Night Football features a rematch of AFC West teams as the Kansas City Chiefs (8-1) take on the Las Vegas Raiders (6-3). In their previous matchup, the Raiders dealt the Chiefs their lone loss of the season, winning 40-32. They will look to repeat this performance as they will host this game at their Allegiant Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 pm ET.
Since that loss to the Raiders, the Chiefs have strung together four consecutive wins. In their last matchup, they beat the Carolina Panthers 33-31. Patrick Mahomes threw for 372 yards and four touchdowns.
The Raiders come into this one having won three games in a row, including a 37-12 win over the Denver Broncos last weekend. In that win, both Joshua Jacobs and Devontae Booker rushed for two touchdowns. They will look to keep it rolling against the Chiefs.
Despite playing on the road, the Kansas City Chiefs are the overwhelming favorites in this one. They are currently -390 to win while the Raiders’ moneyline is +310. The spread features the Raiders +8 while the over/under for total points is 56.5.
By The Numbers
Offensively, both of these teams have been in the top ten in scoring this season. The Chiefs currently rank 2nd overall, averaging 31.8 points per game. The Raiders come in 8th overall averaging 28.3 points per game.
Defensively, it is once again the Chiefs who hold the edge. They rank 6th overall as they are allowing just 20.3 points per game to opponents. The Raiders rank 19th in the NFL as they are allowing 26.8 points per game to opponents.
Chiefs Looking To Get Even
While the Chiefs currently hold a comfortable lead over Las Vegas in the division standings, they would still love to get some retribution after losing their lone game to them earlier in the season. They will have that option Sunday night.
Leading the way for the Chiefs is star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. He has thrown for 2,687 yards, 25 touchdowns, and just a single interception on the season. He has also rushed 35 times for 171 yards and another two scores.
Through the air, Mahomes has plenty of weapons. Travis Kelce (58 receptions, 769 yards, six touchdowns) and Tyreek Hill (44 receptions, 650 yards, nine touchdowns) have led the way. The Chiefs will be without Sammy Watkins, but they have other options in Mercole Hardman and Demarcus Robinson.
Can the Raiders do it Again?
The Raiders have been noticeably better this season under Jon Gruden. Still, some have called their win over the Chiefs earlier in the season a fluke. They are out to prove that it wasn’t and sweep the regular-season series.
In the last game against the Chiefs, they got both great games through the air and on the ground. In that first game, quarterback Derek Carr threw for 347 yards and three touchdowns. The biggest threat in the air that game was Henry Ruggs III, who went for 118 yards and a score.
On the ground, Joshua Jacobs had led the way with 23 carries for 77 yards and two touchdowns. He has rushed 182 times for 700 yards and eight scores for the season. He also 23 receptions for 149 yards.
Defensively, the Raiders are led by Jonathan Abram (36 tackles), Maxx Crosby (six sacks), and Jeff Heath (three interceptions).
Chiefs Get Win, But Can They Cover?
I really like the Chiefs to get their revenge and take this second matchup against the Raiders. The real question will be whether they can cover the eight-point spread. The Raiders are better than most anticipated at the beginning of the year, and while the Chiefs record is phenomenal, a few of their matchups have been closer than expected.
While I expect the Chiefs to come into this one motivated and to win, eight points is a lot to give a hot Raiders team. For my money, I will take Kansas City straight up, but I will take the Raiders to cover the spread.
