The Las Vegas Raiders’ schedule does not get easier after a close loss to the Miami Dolphins, as they take on their AFC West rival, the Kansas City Chiefs, at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday.
Once again, the Chiefs have been one of the best teams in the NFL and appear to be the team to beat in the AFC. This is the first time this season the Raiders and Chiefs will face off, and their games are always sure to excite.
The Chiefs, as usual, have a very good offense. This is unsurprising, considering Coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes are still team members. That pairing has rarely lost to the Raiders, who are trying to change that narrative with interim head coach Antonio Pierce.
Despite not having a true No. 1 wide receiver, the Chiefs are still a top-ten offense in the league. They currently rank eighth in total offense and 14th in points per game. Tight end Travis Kelce assumes the responsibility of being the top pass-catching option.
He has done that to an excellent degree this season, with 64 receptions for 641 yards and five touchdowns. Kelce also has 30 first-down receptions, second among all tight ends. He is often able to find the soft spot of a defense and make a play.
In the backfield, Rack Isiah Pacheco is having a breakout season, leading the Chiefs in rushing yards with 614 on 143 carries and three touchdowns. He is a strong, sudden runner with good speed and is difficult to tackle in the open field.
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However, the Chiefs do not have much depth at running back, as Mahomes is their second-leading rusher. They rank 19th in the NFL in rushing yards per game.
In their receiving room, their leading wide receiver is rookie Rashee Rice, who is putting together a good season with 420 yards and four touchdowns. They have quality depth contributors like Justin Watson and Marquez Valdes-Scantling as well.
Their offensive line has some impressive pieces, especially on the interior. Center Creed Humphrey is one of the best players at his position, and guards Joe Thuney and Trey Smith have played well this season. However, tackle Donovan Smith and Jawaan Taylor have left some to be desired this season.
The Raiders will again have their hands full with Mahomes and this Chiefs offense. They did an excellent job against the Dolphins’ explosive offense; now they will have to put together another good performance to pull off an upset and keep pace in the AFC West.
The Silver and Black will return home next week to celebrate Thanksgiving and take on their AFC West Rival, the Kansas City Chiefs, on Sunday, November 26, at 4:25 p.m. EST/1:25 p.m. PST.
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