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Chiefs at Raiders: Preview, Predictions, and More

By Maurice Moton

Oct 9, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) reacts after throwing a touchdown pass against the San Diego Chargers in the third quarter at Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) reacts after throwing a touchdown pass against the San Diego Chargers in the third quarter at Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kansas City Chiefs vs Oakland Raiders

The Oakland Raiders have won their last three games by 11 points combined. However, a win is a win, right? Head coach Jack Del Rio has gambled his way to victories and quarterback Derek Carr leads an impressive No. 8 passing offense in yards gained. Will the ball continue to bounce in Oakland’s favor?

Related Story: NFL Power Rankings: Raiders or Chiefs Higher?

The Kansas City Chiefs licked their wounds for two weeks after the Pittsburgh Steelers battered the defense with 43 points on Sunday Night Football in Week 4. Now, we’re able to recite head coach Andy Reid‘s 15-2 record off a bye week like a short phone number.

When putting happenstance trends aside, which team will best exploit individual matchups for a victory?

Chiefs Key to Victory

• Running back Jamaal Charles participated in a full practice on Wednesday and says the training wheels are off, per Chiefs.com reporter BJ Kissel. Kansas City should attack the Raiders No. 27 ranked run defense with their three capable running backs.

• The offensive line has allowed 13 sacks in four games. The pass protection must prevent defensive end Khalil Mack from a breakout game. Quarterback Alex Smith can use his legs to escape trouble in the pocket and extend plays. The Raiders secondary has allowed big plays to quick receivers downfield.

Raiders Keys to Victory

• The Raiders have to mirror the Chiefs’ gameplan in utilizing the ground attack to chew up clock and move the ball. Kansas City’s run defense has allowed 100-plus yards in three out of four contests. If running back Latavius Murray can’t play, rookie ball-carriers DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard need a combined performance netting 100-plus rushing yards to earn a victory.

• Cornerback Sean Smith can’t find himself tangled up in emotions against his former team. After a poor start, he’s picked off two passes in the last three games. If he’s able to shut down wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, it’ll force the Chiefs passing attack to dink and dunk downfield.

Odds

Point Spread: Oakland (-2)
Moneyline: Oakland +110, Kansas City -130
Over/Under: 46.5

Prediction

The Raiders don’t have the strongest track record at home. They’re 4-6 in their last 10 games at the Oakland Coliseum and the offense started slow on their turf against the Chargers last week. Furthermore, Murray may not suit up for this contest, which deals a blow to the ground attack.

Once again, the Raiders defense struggled, allowing 104 receiving yards and two touchdowns to tight ends last week. Tight end Travis Kelce comes into town as the Chiefs’ second-best receiver against a linebacker corps still building chemistry. Kansas City matches up well against Oakland. The Chiefs take the victory.

Pick: Oakland Raiders: 23, Kansas City Chiefs: 26

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