Last Week: 49ers 37, Raiders 34
Las Vegas nearly pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the NFL season before losing in overtime in quarterback Jarrett Stidham’s first career start. Stidham, who stepped in for the benched Derek Carr, became the second quarterback in NFL history to throw for more than 350 yards and three touchdowns in his starting debut—and he did it against the NFL’s best defense.
Stidham maximized opportunities for top receiver Davante Adams, who had seven catches for 153 yards and two touchdowns. Adams broke the franchise record for single-season receiving yards and now has 1,443 on the year. But the Raiders couldn’t overcome Defensive Player of the Year favorite Nick Bosa; the 49ers edge rusher caused an interception in overtime by driving left tackle Kolton Miller into Stidham and setting up a short game-winning field goal.
This Week: Chiefs (13-3) at Raiders (6-10)
When: Saturday, January 7, 1:30 p.m.
Where: Allegiant Stadium
TV & Radio: ABC & 920 AM/92.3 FM
Betting line: Chiefs -9.5, over/under 52.5
Matchup: One of the Raiders’ best performances of the year came in a 30-29 loss to the Chiefs on the road in Week 5. Las Vegas built a 13-point lead but ultimately couldn’t overcome quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce, as the duo connected for four touchdowns. The Raiders still had hope to turn their season around back then, however. Pride will be the only factor to motivate them into putting another scare into the Chiefs this time around.
Las Vegas’ loss to San Francisco officially eliminated it from playoff contention. Kansas City meanwhile appears to be in line for the AFC’s No. 1 seed as long as it beats Las Vegas. The only complicating factor could be if the NFL reschedules a game between the Bills and Bengals that was suspended when Buffalo safety Damar Hamlin experienced cardiac arrest on Monday night. Hamlin has reportedly improved in a Cincinnati hospital but remains in critical condition.
Raider to Watch: Quarterback Jarrett Stidham
One of the reasons Raiders coach Josh McDaniels cited for shutting down Carr was to “get a look” at Stidham. Many were skeptical of that claim and assumed the Raiders had other long-term targets at quarterback, but if Stidham has another game against the Chiefs like the one he had against the 49ers, he must be taken seriously.
The former Auburn (by way of Baylor) quarterback has been with McDaniels since his rookie season in New England and showed great command of the coach’s complex offense. He’s a free agent this offseason, but bringing him back seems like a no-brainer as long as the game against the 49ers wasn’t a one-off anomaly. The only question is if Las Vegas would bring him back as a reserve or a realistic option to be the starter heading into next year.
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