Las Vegas Raiders vs Kansas City Chiefs Prediction: Both sides can not be written off

On Monday, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders are set to face off in Week 12 NFL action at Allegiant Stadium. In preparation for this highly anticipated matchup, let's delve into a detailed preview and provide our prediction for the outcome of the game.

The Las Vegas Raiders are in dire need of a victory in this matchup to bring their record back to a respectable .500. Their recent outing saw them endure a 7-point loss to the Dolphins. Quarterback Aidan O'Connell has been leading the offensive charge, completing 62.1 percent of his passes for a total of 946 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. The dynamic receiving duo of Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers has been pivotal for the Raiders, amassing an impressive 1,253 receiving yards and contributing 9 touchdowns collectively. Additionally, Josh Jacobs has been a reliable target in the passing game, securing 31 receptions.

Turning to the ground game, the Raiders' rushing attack has been averaging 79 yards per contest, with Josh Jacobs at the forefront, accumulating 661 yards and finding the end zone five times.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Raiders have been allowing an average of 20.5 points and 342.3 yards per game. Robert Spillane has been a standout performer, leading the team with an impressive 94 tackles. Maxx Crosby has been a force to be reckoned with in the pass rush, tallying 10.5 sacks, and Tre'von Moehrig has showcased his playmaking ability with 2 interceptions, contributing to the overall defensive efforts of the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Kansas City Chiefs are eager to secure a victory as they enter this game, having split their last four matchups. The Chiefs are coming off a particularly disheartening loss to the Eagles on Monday. Leading the offensive charge is quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who boasts a completion rate of 67.1 percent, having thrown for 2,619 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions so far. The dynamic duo of Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice has been instrumental in the Chiefs' aerial assault, amassing a combined 1,061 receiving yards and contributing 9 touchdowns to the team's tally. Additionally, Justin Watson has been a reliable target with 19 receptions. In the rushing department, the Chiefs' ground game has been churning out an average of 110.2 yards per contest, with Isiah Pacheco leading the charge, accumulating 614 yards and finding the end zone three times. On the defensive front, the Chiefs have been formidable, allowing an average of 16.4 points and 283.2 yards per game. Drue Tranquill has been a standout, leading the team with 63 tackles. Meanwhile, Chris Jones has been a disruptive force with 7.5 sacks, and L'Jarius Sneed has showcased his ball-hawking skills with 2 interceptions, contributing to the overall defensive prowess of the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to be clear frontrunners for evident reasons; they are the superior team and have emerged victorious in 9 out of the previous 10 encounters against the Raiders. Nevertheless, the Chiefs are facing a condensed week following their Monday game, while the Raiders have displayed improvement since the coaching transition. The Raiders' defense effectively impeded an elite Dolphins' offense last week, conceding only 12.6 points in their last three games overall. Despite the tough competition within the division, the Raiders remain contenders for a playoff spot. Given the significant number of points at stake in this divisional matchup, I am inclined to support the underdog playing at home.