Week 18 in Allegiant Stadium is where the Kansas City Chiefs' season will end, and perhaps for the better, as this season has been nothing but a true disappointment at a 6-10 record. The Las Vegas Raiders, on the other hand, are in a prime position for the number one overall pick in the draft after a 34-10 loss versus the New York Giants, bringing their record to 2-14.
The Chiefs will once again start quarterback Chris Oladokun, who looked every bit like a third-string QB last week. Oladokun finished with just 66 passing yards on 22 pass attempts and one touchdown to rookie running back Brashard Smith. Smith added to his best game of the season, sprinting back a 44-yard punt return. The Chiefs will look to those two guys in particular to build on what they did, as murmurs about Oladokun being next year's QB2 behind Patrick Mahomes intensify.
Chiefs' Offense Should Find Success Against Undermanned Raiders
It won’t shock anyone to hear that the Raiders' defense has been truly awful this season, hence the team's record. They rank 25th in points allowed per game (26.3) and are tied for the fourth-fewest sacks (29). On top of this, Las Vegas has shut down its only star defensive player, Maxx Crosby, who leads the team in QB takedowns with 10. Next closest in sacks on the team are D-linemen Malcolm Koonce and Jonah Laulu, with four each.
The Chiefs will rely once again on both third-string tackles Esa Pole and Chu Godrick to perform as well as they did last week against a terrific Denver Broncos pass rush. Oladokun, for the most part, should face very little pressure in the pocket, allowing him to look downfield more often to receivers Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown.
Leading the Raiders in tackles is veteran linebacker Devin White, with 168 and 10 tackles for loss. Kansas City’s offensive coaching staff continues to baffle me with the constant play of backs Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt over the rookie Smith, who was on the field for just six offensive snaps last week, but had the biggest impact on the game. Whoever gets the ball in the run game should be afforded gaping run lanes as the Chiefs' three interior O-lineman, Kingsley Suamataia, Creed Humphrey, and Trey Smith are elite blockers.
Las Vegas’ cornerbacks have been nonexistent this season as Eric Stokes, Kyu Blu Kelly, and Darien Porter make up the worst trio of cover corners in the league. Because of this, I expect Oladokun to have an efficient passing day and hopefully a bevy of his compilations arrive in the hands of rookie receiver Jalen Royals, who continues to be stunted by this coaching staff with just five snaps last week.
Finally, tight end Travis Kelce will be the biggest story in this game, as an answer to whether or not he will retire will need to come swiftly, so that general manager Brett Veach can plan accordingly. Whether or not it is Kelce’s last game or not, I’m sure he’ll want to have a big outing and go out with a bang if this is his last rodeo. Getting open versus the Raiders wasn’t a problem for Kelce back in week seven when he accounted for his longest reception of the season (44 yards).
Raiders Offense Is a Non-Threat for Chiefs Defense
The Raiders have been the worst offense this year, ranking lowest in points (14.2), yards (275.6), and time of possession (27:53). This week shouldn’t be any better as starting QB Geno Smith is unlikely to play this week due to an ankle injury, forcing backup Kenny Pickett into the role. Pickett’s only start this season came against the Philadelphia Eagles, where he threw for just 64 yards on 25 passing attempts and one interception.
How many Chiefs defensive starters actually play in this game is undetermined, but I feel confident that after last week’s showing, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will have his guys ready to concede no more than three scores. Rookie running back Ashton Jeanty is an excellent talent this season, with over 1,200 yards from scrimmage and 10 TDs. The Chiefs were able to bottle Jeanty up in the first matchup this season, allowing only 3.5 yards on six carries.
After placing tight end Brock Bowers on season-ending injured reserve, the Raiders' only real receiving threat is third-year man Tre Tucker, who, if you take away his three-TD game in week three, Tucker has done next to nothing all season. Rookie Jack Bech has come on as of late with three or more targets in each of his last four games. He’s a bigger guy at 6’1” and a big-play threat if given the chance.
It was exciting to see Chiefs cornerback Kristian Fulton play his best game of the season last week after a tumultuous first year with Kansas City. Fulton shadowed Courtland Sutton, holding the Broncos star receiver to just one 23-yard reception on four targets, according to Pro Football Focus. If Fulton can put together another quality game, it could prove Veach’s decision to give him a $20 million contract very well worth it going into next season.
Chiefs vs. Raiders Week 18 Verdict
The Chiefs have been perhaps the most disappointing team all season, but the Raiders are a truly terrible football organization with its best players sidelined for this game. I expect this to be an ugly game, but one that Kansas City ends victorious to close out the season.
Score Prediction: Chiefs 20, Raiders 13
Chiefs' Keys to Success
- Contain Ashton Jeanty on the ground and through the air
- Threaten the Raiders downfield
- Feed Travis Kelce all day