Chiefs
vs.
Raiders
NFL Pick
10/16/16
The Chiefs head into Oakland to face a young and talented Raiders team that is trying to end a 13-year playoff drought under head coach Jack Del Rio. The Chiefs are coming into the Game fresh off a bye week and a shellacking from the Pittsburgh Steelers in week 4. A big win against the 4-1 Raiders will help get Andy Reid’s team back on track.
One of the main problems the Chiefs are facing this week is figuring out how to get the running Game going. A healthy Jamal Charles should help substantially with this glaring issue. Under center Alex Smith needs to also push the ball down field. The Chiefs rank in the middle of the pack in rushing and passing yards.
Kansas City has to find ways to get the ball to their best receiver, Jeremy MAClin who has battled injuries this season, MAClin only has 244 yards receiving and one touchdown so far. One bright spot on the other side of the ball has to be second year cornerback Marcus Peters, who comes into Game with 4 interceptions. Marcus is continuing his career on the heels of a rookie season that saw him make his first Pro Bowl. The Chiefs cornerback will have his work cut out for him when he faces off against either Amari Copper or Michael Crabtree this weekend.
The Raiders now have playmakers on the outside with Cooper and Crabtree and a quarterback who is not scared to make the big play. Quarterback Derek Carr has 11 touchdowns thrown to only 2 interceptions and he is playing phenomenal football to start the season. This year’s AFC West title is up in the air and the Raiders seem to finally have put all the right pieces together to end the 13-year playoff drought.
A young and motivated Raiders team is looking to send a message to the rest of the league by defeating one of its divisions rivals this weekend. Oakland safety Reggie Nelson leads the team in tackles with 37 and the tandem of linebackers, Kahlil MACk and Bruce Irvin have caused fits on opposing quarterbacks this year. MACk was voted as an All-pro at both linebacker and defensive end last season.
Really not sure what we have with either team at this point, based on the opponents they have played. That being said Our numbers suggest the Raiders fins a way to continue squeaking by. Raiders +1.5