Raiders vs Chiefs Picks, Odds & Preview
- Kansas City Chiefs are 11.5-point home favorites to defeat the Las Vegas Raiders Sunday (1 pm ET) to remain among the NFL’s unbeaten teams
- Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is 4-0 against the Raiders in his career
- See the game odds, spread and total as well as a preview below
The famed Raiders vs. Chiefs rivalry, dating back to the 1960s, hasn’t been much of a rivalry in recent years. The Chiefs have won five consecutive games against the Raiders, and 10 of the last 11.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr has only beaten the Chiefs twice in 12 games against them. He has never won a game at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium. That’s where the two teams square off Sunday at 1 pm ET.
Given the history and the Chiefs’ 4-0 start, it’s easy to see why the Chiefs are 11.5-point favorites in the Raiders vs Chiefs odds.
Las Vegas Raiders vs Kansas City Chiefs Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas Raiders | +460 | +11.5 (-110) | O 55.5 (-110) |
| Kansas City Chiefs | -650 | -11.5 (-110) | U 55.5 (-110) |
Odds taken Oct. 10 from DraftKings
Chiefs May Post Big Numbers vs Raiders Defense
The Chiefs’ offense has been a model of efficiency this season. Mahomes hasn’t thrown an interception, and the team has only lost two fumbles.
This team will be going up against a Raiders team that ranks 19th against the pass and 25th against the run. The Raiders are giving up five yards per carry.
LSU really knows how to produce top tier NFL talent…
Rookie Leaders – This Season
Passing Yds: Joe Burrow (1,121)
Rushing Yds: Clyde Edwards-Helaire (304)
Rec. Yds: Justin Jefferson (348) pic.twitter.com/c047xCNdCt— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) October 7, 2020
Kansas City fans have been waiting for rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire to have an explosive eruption. He has rushed for 303 yards in four games, and gained 129 yards on 14 receptions. The struggling Raiders’ defense provides the opportunity to have a monstrous day. Edwards-Helaire is averaging 4.3 yards per carry. The Chiefs may target him as a pass receiver more often against the Raiders.
Raiders’ upset chances center on Carr
Carr said this week that the Raiders need to win more games for the Raiders vs Chiefs rivalry to continue to be considered one of the NFL’s better rivalries.
In 12 games against Kansas City, Carr has averaged 228 yards and 1.3 touchdown passes.
Carr, however, is off to a good start this season. He is coming off a 311-yard performance in a losing effort against Buffalo. For the season, Carr has posted statistics that are in the neighborhood of what Mahomes has produced. Carr has completed 73.6% of his passes for 1,095 yards, while Mahomes is at 67.3% and 1,134 yards. Mahomes has 11 touchdown passes, while Carr boasts eight.
#Raiders Derek Carr is on pace to throw for 4,380 yards 32 TD / 0 INT in 2020.. all career highs.
This man is having a career year, all while 4 offensive starters have been OUT majority of the season. Time to put some #RESPECT on his name.. #RaiderNation
(📸@Raiders) pic.twitter.com/CUUE20OyYE
— Raider Cody (@RaiderCody) October 5, 2020
But Carr will be tested by a Kansas City defense that is giving up only an average of 195 yards passing per game.
Raiders Get a Boost at Wide Receiver
Dynamic Las Vegas rookie wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (knee, hamstring) practiced Thursday and Friday and is expected to play Sunday. Ruggs, who has missed the last two games, is inexperienced, but is a valuable option for Carr. The Raiders were 0-2 without him.
The Raiders will be without wide receiver Bryan Edwards (foot, ankle). Offensive tackle Trent Brown (calf) is questionable.
Status quo on Chiefs practice today. Chris Jones (groin) out here.
Also spotted L’Jarius Sneed (shoulder, IR) and Mike Danna (hamstring) watching practice (I don’t have a long range camera, but that’s them). pic.twitter.com/6M8f2s0tTs
— Herbie Teope (@HerbieTeope) October 9, 2020
Chiefs defensive end Mike Danna (hamstring) didn’t practice all week. Defensive tackle Chris Jones (groin) will return to the Kansas City lineup after a week absence.
Chiefs Can Cover Large Spreads
The Chiefs are 3-1 against the spread this season, including covering a 10.5-point spread in a 26-10 win against the New England Patriots last week.
In Mahomes’ four career wins against the Raiders, he’s won three of them by two or more touchdowns. The Chiefs have averaged 35.8 points in those four games, thanks to Mahomes averaging 299 yards passing.
This season, Mahomes commands a Chiefs team that has posted a +47 point-differential over four games. The Chiefs are beating teams by an average of 11.8 points per game.
Pick: Chiefs -11.5 (-110)
Kevin Allen has covered most major events, including the Olympics, Super Bowl, World Series, NBA Finals and Stanley Cup Final. He covered the NHL for USA Today from 1986-2020, receiving the Lester Patrick Award in 2013 and was honored by the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2014 with the Elmer Ferguson Award.
