5 Things to Watch in the Chiefs' Week 7 Showdown with the Raiders
The Kansas City Chiefs, riding a 3-3 record, will face the Las Vegas Raiders, who are 2-4, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday. The game, kicking off at 12 p.m. on CBS, promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with both teams on a collision course. Here's a breakdown of five key aspects that will shape the outcome.
Rashee Rice's Redemption: After a year-long absence due to injury and suspension, Rashee Rice is set to make his return. The third-year player, once a key offensive weapon, aims to showcase his potential against the Raiders. In his rookie season, Rice thrived against Las Vegas, amassing 164 yards and a touchdown. With the Chiefs' offense firing on all cylinders, led by the MVP-contending Patrick Mahomes, Rice's presence could elevate the team's performance. Expect a significant workload for Rice, and don't be surprised if he delivers a standout performance against the Raiders' defense.
Jaylon Moore's First Start: Left tackle Josh Simmons' sudden absence due to personal reasons opened the door for Jaylon Moore's debut. Despite the unexpected circumstances, Moore rose to the challenge, holding off the Detroit Lions' star pass rusher, Aiden Hutchinson. Now, Moore faces a formidable opponent in Maxx Crosby, a top pass rusher for the Raiders. With Simmons out, Moore will be tasked with containing Crosby, who has a history of causing trouble for the Chiefs. The Raiders will likely exploit Moore's weaknesses, but the Chiefs have a strategy to counter Crosby's prowess, relying on Moore's technical skills and composure.
Intercepting Geno Smith: The Raiders' quarterback, Geno Smith, is having a rough season, leading the league with 10 interceptions. This has contributed to the team's struggles, as they are tied for the third-worst turnover differential. The Chiefs' defense, fresh off a strong outing, has the opportunity to capitalize on Smith's mistakes. With the secondary in prime form, expect a high-pressure environment for Smith, making it an ideal time for the Chiefs to intercept passes and turn the tide of the game.
Travis Kelce's Record-Breaking Performance: Travis Kelce, the Chiefs' superstar tight end, is on the cusp of breaking the franchise's all-time touchdown record held by Priest Holmes. With 82 career touchdowns, Kelce needs just one more to tie Holmes' mark. The Raiders, despite their defensive efforts, have struggled against tight ends this season, allowing only 25 receptions and two touchdowns. However, they haven't faced a tight end of Kelce's caliber. The Chiefs might prefer to secure the record-breaking moment for next week's 'Monday Night Football' game, but if Kelce finds himself in the red zone, Mahomes will be eager to target him.
Chris Jones and George Karlaftis' Pass Rush Dominance: The Chiefs' pass rush has been underperforming, but Chris Jones and George Karlaftis have been up to the task against the Raiders. Jones has a history of success against Las Vegas, with 10.5 sacks in 18 career games. Karlaftis, another standout, has four sacks in six matchups. Geno Smith's struggles and the Raiders' shaky offensive line provide an opportunity for the Chiefs' defensive line to shine. This game could be a launching pad for Jones and Karlaftis to showcase their talent and pressure the Raiders' quarterback.
