Kansas City Chiefs vs Las Vegas Raiders Picks and Predictions November 29th 2024

Chiefs Eye Redemption Against Raiders in AFC West Black Friday Clash

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been a master of clutch performances this season, but even he admits the team is striving for more consistency. Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Raiders, desperate for a win after a grueling seven-game losing streak, hope to recapture some holiday magic in their Black Friday AFC West showdown.

As these rivals gear up, the game promises high stakes, contrasting narratives, and no shortage of drama.

Chiefs: Winning Under Pressure

The Chiefs (10-1), tied with the Detroit Lions for the NFL’s best record, are finding ways to win, even if it comes down to the wire. Five of their victories this season were decided on the final play, showcasing their resilience in critical moments.

Mahomes credited the team’s ability to close games to preparation and execution.

“Obviously, you want to dominate the whole game, but when it’s do-or-die time, we make it happen,” Mahomes said earlier this week.

However, the Chiefs aren’t satisfied. After narrowly defeating the Carolina Panthers 30-27 last week—thanks to a 31-yard field goal by fill-in kicker Spencer Shrader—the mood in Kansas City’s locker room was more reflective than celebratory.

“We hold ourselves to an extremely high standard,” Mahomes noted. “Unless we play the way we expect to, we’ll always strive to be better.”

Raiders: Searching for a Spark

The Raiders (2-9) have faced a series of setbacks, including a seven-game losing streak that has seen five double-digit defeats. Their most recent loss, a 29-19 drubbing by the Denver Broncos, underscored their struggles on both offense and defense.

In addition to poor performance, injuries have plagued the Raiders:

• Starting quarterback Gardner Minshew is out for the season with a fractured collarbone.
• Backup Aidan O’Connell, sidelined earlier with a thumb injury, is expected to return this week.
• Recent addition Desmond Ridder, who replaced Minshew last week, will serve as the backup.

Despite the adversity, interim offensive coordinator Scott Turner remains optimistic about the team’s preparation on a short week.

“We’ve got to get somebody ready in a hurry,” Turner said. “There’s no time to dwell on the challenges.”

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Injury Updates: Key Players to Watch

Both teams enter the game with injury concerns:

• Chiefs: Shrader (hamstring) missed practice, and linebacker Cam Jones was out due to illness. Kansas City signed kicker Matthew Wright as insurance.
• Raiders: Cornerbacks Nate Hobbs (ankle) and Jakorian Bennett (shoulder) and running back Zamir White (quadriceps) missed practice, further depleting their lineup.

Rivalry History and Game Dynamics

The Chiefs have dominated this rivalry, winning 17 of the last 20 meetings, including a convincing 27-20 victory over the Raiders in Week 8. Las Vegas, however, has shown it can shock Kansas City, as seen in last season’s unexpected Christmas Day win at Arrowhead Stadium.

For the Raiders, this matchup represents more than just a chance to snap their losing streak. It’s an opportunity to prove they can compete against the NFL’s elite.

For the Chiefs, it’s a test of their consistency. While their late-game heroics have been remarkable, they aim to avoid the nail-biting finishes that have defined much of their season.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Mahomes vs. Raiders’ Secondary
   Mahomes will look to exploit a depleted Raiders defense missing key cornerbacks. Expect Kansas City to lean heavily on its passing attack.
2. Raiders’ Offense vs. Chiefs’ Defense
   With uncertainty at quarterback, the Raiders must establish their ground game early. Running back Josh Jacobs will be crucial to controlling the clock and keeping Mahomes off the field.
3. Special Teams Battle
   Shrader’s injury could tilt the special teams advantage in favor of Las Vegas if the Chiefs’ backup kicker struggles under pressure.

Final Thoughts

The Chiefs enter as heavy favorites, but their tendency to let games stay close leaves the door open for the Raiders. Las Vegas, desperate for a win, hopes to channel the spirit of their Christmas Day upset from last season.

For fans, this Black Friday clash promises an exciting mix of rivalry intensity, playoff implications, and unpredictable twists.

Key Stats

• Chiefs: 5 wins decided on the final play of the game this season.
• Raiders: 7 consecutive losses, including 3 straight by double digits.

Prediction: Chiefs 31, Raiders 20 – Kansas City should win comfortably if they avoid uncharacteristic mistakes, but the Raiders could make things interesting with a fast start.