Chiefs beat Raiders 34-20, win sixth straight

The Kansas City Chiefs are out of control. On Sunday, they beat the Oakland Raiders 34-20 behind a very sloppy and uneven, yet satisfying, performance.

Kansas City looked absolutely awful for a large chunk of the first half and it bled into the third quarter. Yet, showing the guts this franchise has lacked for decades, the team came back with gusto. The Chiefs scored 27 points in the second half, led by two touchdown throws from Alex Smith to Jeremy Maclin. Maclin finished with nine catches and 95 yards.

The defense was nothing to write home about early on, but it closed the clamps when needed. Kansas City was able to intercept Derek Carr on three occasions, including second-half thefts by Josh Mauga, Marcus Peters and Tyvon Branch. Mauga’s interception turned the game, as Oakland was driving with a 20-14 lead in the fourth quarter. Mauga returned the ball to the Oakland 2-yard line, and Kansas City punched it in for a 20-20 tie.

Branch’s pick ended the game for all intents and purposes, with the Chiefs taking a 34-20 advantage late in the fourth quarter.

At this point, Kansas City is 7-5 and didn’t appear to have any new or major injuries. Defensive end Mike DeVito left with a possible concussion, and Peters had a cramp in his hamstring. Jeff Allen also left in the first quarter with an aggravation of his ankle.

The Chiefs enter Sunday night in the fifth seed, and are assured of staying in that spot as we head toward Week 14. Kansas City has not lost since the beginning of October.

Just win, baby.