Last Week: Washington Football Team 17, Raiders 15
A week after upsetting the Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day, the Raiders managed only one touchdown—a one-yard run by Josh Jacobs in the fourth quarter after a penalty-assisted drive—in their last home game before Christmas. The defense wasn’t blameless either, though it played well enough to win by shutting out Washington in the second and third quarters. Washington scored an opening-drive touchdown to take a lead at the start of the game, however, and went up and down the field in the fourth quarter. A dropped interception by safety Tre’von Moehrig that would have won the game for the Raiders led to a 48-yard game-winning field goal by Washington’s Brian Johnson.
This Week: Raiders (6-6) at Chiefs (8-4)
When: Sunday, December 12, 10 a.m.
Where: Arrowhead Stadium
TV: KLAS (Channel 8)
Radio: 920-AM, 92.3-FM
Betting line: Chiefs -9.5, over/under: 52.5
Matchup: The Chiefs handed the Raiders their worst loss of the year three weeks ago, a 41-14 blowout at Allegiant Stadium. It was one of the only games this season in which the Patrick Mahomes-led Chiefs looked like the unstoppable offensive force that had advanced to the Super Bowl the past two years. Raiders defensive coordinator Gus Bradley opted to stick to his traditional Cover 3 scheme against the Chiefs; most opponents have switched their philosophy to play deeper, softer coverages to limit big, improvisational plays. It will be interesting to see if Bradley stays stubborn in the rematch or implements some tweaks. Including the victory over the Raiders, the Chiefs have now won five in a row.
Raider to Watch: Cornerback Trayvon Mullen
The Raiders’ starting cornerback is expected to return from a Week 4 toe injury at what would be the perfect time. Alongside fellow outside starter Casey Hayward and slot cornerback Nate Hobbs, Mullen could turn a position that’s been a weakness for Las Vegas into a strength. Competent play in the defensive backfield is a necessity against Mahomes and his speedy top receiver, Tyreek Hill—and a department where the Raiders have been hit-or-miss during a 1-4 stretch since their bye week. Hill had 85 total yards and two touchdowns against the Raiders in the first game without Mullen.
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