The Kansas City Chiefs are set to face off against the Las Vegas Raiders for the second time. The Chiefs won the Week 12 game 31-17 at Allegiant Stadium earlier.
This time, Week 16 will excite the Chiefs fans more due to the home-ground advantage for the Red Army. So, let’s see how the two sides fare regarding the best players, starting line-up, injuries, and predictions.
Players to watch for in the Chiefs vs. Raiders clash!
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Valuable players for the Raiders:
The Raiders chose Brian Hoyer to play instead of Aidan O’Connell when their starting quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, couldn’t play due to a back injury in Week 7. However, during the Week 8 game, Hoyer was replaced by O’Connell in the fourth quarter after his second INT of the day. Therefore, the rookie QB O’Connell will face off against Patrick Mahomes for the first time. Apart from O’Connell, there is another key player to watch.
RB Zamir White filled in for Josh Jacobs, who can’t play because of a quad injury. The Chiefs are better at defending against passing plays than running plays, so White might play a crucial role in helping the team establish their offensive strategy.
Valuable players for the Chiefs:
Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce have played 91 games together and will be central to the team plans. Together, they have marked over 50 touchdowns for the franchise, which is the highest of a quarterback-receiver duo for the franchise.
The Chiefs expect Isiah Pacheco‘s return to play this week. He had to miss two games because he underwent a “cleanup” procedure on his injured shoulder.
Injuries per Friday report:
Las Vegas Raiders
Maxx Crosby, DE, Knee – DNP
Brandon Facyson, CB, Shin – FP
Justin Herron, T, Knee – LP
Josh Jacobs, RB, Quad – LP
Andre James, C, Ankle – LP
Michael Mayer , TE, Toe – DNP
Kolton Miller, T, Shoulder – LP
Dylan Parham, G, Illness – LP
Robert Spillane, LB, Illness – FP
DJ Turner, WR, Shoulder – DNP
Kansas City Chiefs
Nick Bolton, LB, Wrist / Abdomen / Illness – FP
Cam Jones, LB, Illness – DNP
Jerick McKinnon, RB, Groin – DNP
Kadarius Toney, WR, Hip – DNP
Mecole Hardman (IR), WR, Thumb – LP
Donovan Smith, T, Neck – DNP
Travis Kelce, TE, Neck – FP
Wanya Morris, OL, Hip – FP
Isiah Pacheco, RB, Shoulder – FP
Justin Reid, S, Knee – FP
Rashee Rice, WR, Hamstring – FP
Trey Smith, G, Hip – FP
L’Jarius Sneed, CB, Knee – FP
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, NIR (Personal) – DNP
Suspensions
No player is suspended for the Chiefs vs. Raiders clash on December 25.
Predictions
The Chiefs have an 83.3% chance to win against the Raiders, according to FOX 19 NOW.
Chiefs vs. Raiders: Where to watch?
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Date: Monday, December 25
Kickoff Time: 1:00 PM ET
Venue: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
Broadcast on: CBS, Nickelodeon, and DAZN
The Chiefs and Raiders have met each other 129 times (including three postseason games). The Chiefs have an advantage of 73-54-2 over the Silver and Black team.
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The Chiefs are coming off a much-needed win over the Patriots, while the Raiders too are coming off a massive win over the Chargers.
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