It's that time of year again (and probably fittingly when many people in the U.S. will be dressed up in costumes) when the Raiders face the Chiefs. The Raiders come into the game at 2-4, fresh off a comeback win versus the Jaguars at home. The Chiefs, on the other hand, come in at 1-5 and fresh off a bye week when they declared they were going through a quarterback change in Brady Quinn. Both teams will try to stay in the tightly packed AFC West race with a win and hopes of gaining momentum for the stretch run. Let's take a look at the matchups and declare a winner.
Raiders Offense vs. Chiefs Defense
I will probably sound like a broken record here but the key to the Raiders' success on offense will be Darren McFadden having success running the ball. Running the ball opens up so much more of the passing game. The Chiefs will have the support of the crowd from a renewed fan base. They will be excited about the prospect of having anyone other than Cassel at QB and of course it being "Raiders Week." The Chiefs also have a pretty good pass rush in Justin Houston and Tamba Hali. Expect the Raiders to try more of the no-huddle offense as it led to success in their only wins this season in Pittsburgh and Jacksonville. (If the crowd noise will allow it)
Advantage: Raiders
Raiders Defense vs. Chiefs Offense
The Raiders have now had 2 impressive showings on defense in back-to-back games. Let's see if that trend continues against a team who recently gave up on their starting QB. Look for the Chiefs to be run-heavy and give the Raiders an extra dose of Jamaal Charles. The Raiders will most likely try to make Brady Quinn beat them and focus all their attention on stopping Charles. Outside of two games this year, the run defense for the Raiders has looked pretty good. They have not allowed more than 54 yards rushing in four out of sic games and are currently 12th in rush defense.
Advantage: Raiders
Special Teams
The Raiders struggled in the return game last week with two muffed punts, one leading to Jaguar points. The Chiefs have decent returners and steady kickers in Succop and Colquitt. There hasn't been much excitement in kickoff returns this year and expect that trend to continue as both kickers can boom it through the back of the endzone.
Advantage: Raiders
Prediction: Raiders 27, Chiefs 21
Record to date: 3-3
Raiders Offense vs. Chiefs Defense
I will probably sound like a broken record here but the key to the Raiders' success on offense will be Darren McFadden having success running the ball. Running the ball opens up so much more of the passing game. The Chiefs will have the support of the crowd from a renewed fan base. They will be excited about the prospect of having anyone other than Cassel at QB and of course it being "Raiders Week." The Chiefs also have a pretty good pass rush in Justin Houston and Tamba Hali. Expect the Raiders to try more of the no-huddle offense as it led to success in their only wins this season in Pittsburgh and Jacksonville. (If the crowd noise will allow it)
Advantage: Raiders
Raiders Defense vs. Chiefs Offense
The Raiders have now had 2 impressive showings on defense in back-to-back games. Let's see if that trend continues against a team who recently gave up on their starting QB. Look for the Chiefs to be run-heavy and give the Raiders an extra dose of Jamaal Charles. The Raiders will most likely try to make Brady Quinn beat them and focus all their attention on stopping Charles. Outside of two games this year, the run defense for the Raiders has looked pretty good. They have not allowed more than 54 yards rushing in four out of sic games and are currently 12th in rush defense.
Advantage: Raiders
Special Teams
The Raiders struggled in the return game last week with two muffed punts, one leading to Jaguar points. The Chiefs have decent returners and steady kickers in Succop and Colquitt. There hasn't been much excitement in kickoff returns this year and expect that trend to continue as both kickers can boom it through the back of the endzone.
Advantage: Raiders
Prediction: Raiders 27, Chiefs 21
Record to date: 3-3
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