The Kansas City Chiefs will face the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium, with kickoff set for 4:25 p.m. ET.
The Chiefs enter the game as 9.5-point favorites, with a game total projected at 41.5 points.
Kansas City (6-0 SU, 5-1 ATS, 2-4 O/U) secured a victory against San Francisco last Sunday, winning 28-18. They currently lead the AFC West.
Meanwhile, Las Vegas (2-5 SU, 3-4 ATS, 4-3 O/U) lost to the Los Angeles Rams 20-15 last Sunday and sits at the bottom of the AFC West standings.
Last season, the Chiefs and Raiders split their matchups. Kansas City triumphed 31-17 during an away game on November 26, while Las Vegas claimed a 20-14 victory on Christmas Day at Arrowhead Stadium.
Mike Briggs boasts a record of 40-28 (+11.15 units) in this NFL season! He invites bettors to subscribe to his premium picks for Sunday’s game.
Kansas City Chiefs: Riding High
Kansas City maintained its undefeated streak last week with a ten-point victory over the San Francisco 49ers, reminiscent of their Super Bowl clash. The Niners struggled, converting only 2 of 11 third downs and turning the ball over three times, allowing the Chiefs to control the clock effectively. Kansas City achieved a season-high of 184 rushing yards, scoring four touchdowns on the ground.
Coach Andy Reid acknowledged the potential for improvement, stating, “We got plenty of room to improve on things. Eventually, guys will start coming back. But the thing I appreciate the most are guys stepping up and then the other guys trusting them to step up and believing in them.”
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes leads the Chiefs’ offense with 1,389 passing yards, six touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He has thrown at least one interception in every game this season, including two against San Francisco. The team has recently bolstered its receiving corps by trading for veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, previously with Tennessee. With running back Isiah Pacheco sidelined, Kareem Hunt (63 carries, 249 yards, and three touchdowns) steps in as Kansas City’s primary ball carrier.
Kansas City averages 24.3 points per game (13th in the league) and 350.3 total yards (10th), including 221.5 passing yards (12th) and 128.8 rushing yards (10th). The team has allowed 11 sacks (3rd) and committed ten turnovers (27th). They convert 45.3 percent of their third downs (4th) and score touchdowns on 47.8 percent of red zone trips (25th).
On defense, Kansas City allows 17.2 points per game (5th) and 306.2 total yards (10th), with 215.7 passing yards (20th) and 90.5 rushing yards (4th) permitted. They have produced ten sacks (17th) and forced seven turnovers (26th). Opponents convert 32.8 percent of their third downs (10th) and score touchdowns on 47.3 percent of their red zone visits (9th).
Injury report: Kareem Hunt (hip), Mike Danna (pectoral), and Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness) are questionable. Skyy Moore (upper body), JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring), and Jaylen Watson (ankle) have been ruled out.
Las Vegas Raiders: Seeking Consistency
The Raiders fell to the Rams last Sunday, 20-15, despite outgaining them 317-259. However, Las Vegas struggled with penalties, committing ten for 80 yards, and suffered a disastrous turnover ratio of 4-1, including three interceptions. The final interception by quarterback Gardner Minshew ended hopes for a comeback with under two minutes remaining.
“We’ve got to be smart with the ball,” said Raiders coach Antonio Pierce. “At the end, you’re trying to take a shot. I get that one. The other ones, got to do a better job.”
Minshew stepped in for injured quarterback Aidan McConnell and will start again against Kansas City. He has completed 65.5 percent of his passes for 1,168 yards, four touchdowns, and eight interceptions this season. His primary target is rookie tight end Brock Bowers, who has 47 receptions for 477 yards and one touchdown. Alexander Mattison leads the Raiders’ running game with 69 carries for 250 yards and three touchdowns.
The Raiders average 17.7 points (25th) and 296.7 total yards (26th), featuring 211.1 passing yards (16th) and 85.6 rushing yards (30th). They have allowed 20 sacks (26th) and committed 16 turnovers (32nd). Las Vegas converts 31.1 percent of third downs (28th) and finds the end zone on 58.8 percent of red zone trips (11th).
The Raiders’ defense surrenders an average of 26.1 points (29th) and 316.9 total yards (11th) per game, allowing 180.1 passing yards (8th) and 136.7 rushing yards (23rd). They have recorded 15 sacks (7th) and forced only three turnovers (31st). Opponents convert 28.9 percent of their third downs (2nd) and score touchdowns on 60.0 percent of red zone visits (21st).
Injury report: Adam Butler (hip), Maxx Crosby (ankle), Jakobi Myers (ankle), Dylan Parham (Achilles), Cody Whitehair (chest), and Michael Mayer (personal) are questionable. Aidan O’Connell (hand) is out.
Best Bets for Kansas City Chiefs vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Considering the spread is under ten points, a wager on Kansas City to cover seems wise.
The Chiefs’ defense has shown its strength and will likely pose challenges for the Raiders, effectively neutralizing the run game and applying pressure on Minshew. Kansas City ranks fifth in run defense by DVOA, which could force Las Vegas into difficult third-and-long situations. Minshew has struggled against blitzing defenses, earning a low grade of 30th out of 36 qualifying quarterbacks.
With the defense taking charge, it is expected that Kansas City will score enough to win and cover the spread. The acquisition of Hopkins adds depth to an offense missing key playmakers. While it is advisable to monitor Hunt’s injury status leading up to the game, there is confidence in betting the spread, as Kansas City should dominate the rushing attack against a struggling Raiders defense. Las Vegas has not demonstrated the ability to create turnovers, ranking 31st in that category, which further tilts the odds in favor of the Chiefs.
