Last Week: Chiefs 48, Raiders 9
In their fifth loss in the past six games, the Raiders hit rock bottom in Kansas City. Running back Josh Jacobs fumbled on the first play from scrimmage, and Chiefs cornerback Mike Hughes returned the takeaway 22 yards for a touchdown—yet the worst was still to come. The Chiefs led 35-0 before halftime after two more Las Vegas turnovers. The Raiders finished with five total giveaways—four lost fumbles were more like five after Foster Moreau bobbled a pass that was intercepted—and even gave up a final touchdown when Kansas City appeared to be attempting to run out the clock. The 39-point margin of the victory was the archrival Chiefs’ largest ever in the contentious series.
This Week: Raiders (6-7) at Browns (7-6)
When: Saturday, December 18, 1:30 p.m.
Where: FirstEnergy Stadium
TV: NFL Network
Radio: 920-AM, 92.3-FM
Betting line: Browns -6.5, over/under 42.5
Matchup: Though the Browns’ record is one win better than the Raiders’, the teams’ seasons have been similar in that Cleveland has had its share of baffling performances, including blowout losses and close-game collapses. It looked like the Browns, who once led 24-6 in the second half Sunday against Baltimore, were headed toward another collapse when they failed to recover a late onside kick to give the Ravens a chance for a game-winning drive in the final minute. Cleveland, led by Defensive Player of the Year candidate Myles Garrett at edge rusher, escaped with a 24-22 victory to keep its playoff hopes alive. Las Vegas won at FirstEnergy Stadium 16-6 early last season.
Raider to Watch: Linebacker Divine Deablo The Raiders still technically have a chance to reach the postseason, but realistically, it seems next to impossible with how poorly they’re playing. The more important task for the next four weeks will be evaluating young players to see how they fit going forward. Deablo has been a bright spot in that regard; the rookie third-round draft pick has shown flashes of playmaking ability the past two weeks. Injuries have thrust Deablo into the linebacking rotation, and he has more than held his own. The Raiders were looking to transition him from safety, where he played in college, to more of a hybrid linebacker, and Deablo might be ahead of schedule.
Click HERE to subscribe for free to the Weekly Fix, the digital edition of Las Vegas Weekly! Stay up to date with the latest on Las Vegas concerts, shows, restaurants, bars and more, sent directly to your inbox!
