The Las Vegas Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs meet Monday in NFL action from Arrowhead Stadium. The Raiders enter this one at 6-8 overall following a blowout win over the Chargers last Thursday. As for Kansas City, they’re currently 9-5 overall and coming off a Sunday win versus the Patriots. Let’s get into our Raiders vs. Chiefs prediction. Check back all season long for free NFL picks at Sports Chat Place.

Las Vegas Raiders 

The Raiders managed a 5-7 run before their bye week, beating Denver, Green Bay, New England, the Giants and the Jets in that time. Las Vegas has since gone 1-1 with a loss to Minnesota and a win over the Chargers. Overall, the Raiders are averaging 18.9 points per game while giving up an even 20.0 on defense. 

In their latest matchup versus the Chargers, the Raiders had their best offensive game of the year—by far. Las Vegas jumped out to a 42-0 halftime lead and cruised to the blowout win 63-21. Aidan O’Connell put up 248 yards with four scores, and Zamir White led the rush on 69 yards with a TD. Davante Adams was the top receiver with 101 yards and a score on eight catches. 

Las Vegas Raiders Team Facts

• The Raiders have lost each of their last seven games at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium following a home win.
• The Raiders have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six December games at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
• The Raiders have lost the first half in each of their last six road games.
• The Raiders have won the first quarter in four of their last five games as heavy underdogs (>+7.0 points).
• The Raiders have scored the first touchdown in each of their last five Week 16 games.

Kansas City Chiefs 

Over on the Chiefs’ side, they went 7-2 prior to their bye with losses to only the Lions and Broncos. Kansas City has gone only 2-3 in the five games since with wins over the Raiders and Patriots. On average, the Chiefs have scored 22.8 points per game with 26 passing scores and 15 interceptions. The defense has been solid overall, averaging just 17.5 points allowed per game. 

The Chiefs’ latest win came courtesy of the Patriots on Sunday. In that one Kansas City posted 13 unanswered points in the third quarter to secure a 27-17 victory. Patrick Mahomes threw for 305 yards with a pair of scores and two picks. Clyde Edwards-Helaire put up 37 rush yards, and Rashee Rice caught nine balls for 91 yards and a TD. 

Kansas City Chiefs Team Facts

• The Chiefs have won each of their last nine December games against the Raiders.
• The Chiefs have covered the spread in each of their last six December games against the Raiders at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
• The Chiefs have won the first quarter in 14 of their last 15 December games against AFC West opponents.
• The Chiefs have scored the first touchdown in eight of their last nine home games against the Raiders.
• The Chiefs have won the first half in each of their last 11 games at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium following a win.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Chiefs rank 32nd in the NFL in Q4 points per game this season (2.8).
• The Chiefs rank 31st in the NFL in kickoff return yards per game this season (10.7).
• The Raiders rank 32nd in the NFL in rushing yards per game this season (83.7).
• The Raiders rank 1st in the NFL in average yards per punt this season (51.5).

ANDREW’S FREE RAIDERS VS CHIEFS PREDICTION 

I’ll take a stab on the Raiders. This one’s tough, though. We saw Las Vegas hit their absolute ceiling in a great outing versus the Chargers last Thursday. In that one the Raiders notched 378 total yards (254 passing) and 20 first downs alongside five takeaways (four fumbles) in a nice all-around effort. Trouble is, in the game prior to that the Raiders posted just 202 total yards in a 3-0 loss to the Vikings. 

As for the Chiefs, they were able to win 31-17 the last time these teams met up back on November 26. Kansas City had to rally after an early 14-0 hole, but they also held the Raiders to just 16 first downs in a pretty good defensive effort overall. I’m thinking the Chiefs will probably still win this one, but if Las Vegas plays well they should be able to cover.