A pair of AFC West rivals clash with the Kansas City Chiefs (3-1, 1-0 home) hosting the Las Vegas Raiders (1-3, 0-2 away). Cincinnati defeated the Raiders twice last season, including a 26-19 victory in the Wild Card round on their way to the AFC title.
The kickoff of Monday night’s primetime contest is at 8:15 p.m. EST at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Kansas City is a seven-point favorite, and the over/under total is at 51.5 points.
What to Know – Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders began the 2022 season with an 0-3 record but notched that first victory last week with a 32-23 win over the Denver Broncos. With the slow start, Las Vegas finds itself at the bottom of the AFC West division after the first month of the season.
Raiders’ quarterback Derek Carr has been mediocre through four contests, completing 61% of his passes for 1,038 yards. Carr has tossed six touchdowns to four interceptions, three of those picks coming in the season openers.
The Raiders’ rushing attack belongs to running back Josh Jacobs, who’s dominated the rushing attempts through four contests. The former Alabama star has carried the ball 70 times for 336 yards and two touchdowns. Jacobs has accounted for nearly 75% of the team’s rushing total.
The addition of Pro-Bowl wide receiver Davante Adams has been a bright spot for the Raiders’ offense. Adams, who was a college teammate with Carr, leads the team in targets (47), receptions (26), receiving yards (290), and touchdowns (3). Wide receiver Mack Hollins is second in production with 17 receptions for 273 yards and a touchdown.
What to Know – Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in a shootout last week, 41-31, after suffering a mind-boggling loss on the road to the Indianapolis Colts a week prior. Through four weeks, the Chiefs look like one of the only teams that can keep up with the Buffalo Bills in the AFC.
The offensive success for Kansas City starts with Patrick Mahomes at the quarterback position. Mahomes has completed 97-of-146 passes for 1,106 yards with 11 touchdowns and a pair of interceptions.
Starting running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is off to a fast start in 2022 after a disappointing 2021 season. The third-year pro leads the team with 41 attempts for 208 yards and two touchdowns, adding 13 receptions for 117 yards and three scores through the air.
The Chiefs are doing just fine in the passing game, even without star wideout Tyreke Hill. Tight end Travis Kelce has become even more of a focal point, pacing the team with three touchdowns and 322 yards. Former Pittsburgh Steeler wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is the top wideout with 27 catches for 224 yards.
The Pick is In
The Raiders’ offense hasn’t got it going yet, and the defense is near the bottom of the league in points allowed. That doesn’t bode well against one of the top offenses in the NFL. Las Vegas will score, but Kansas City is rolling right now and will win this shootout by double digits.
The Pick: Kansas City Chiefs -7
