Chiefs vs. Raiders: 3 key matchups to watch
By David Thomas
Travis Kelce vs. Karl Joseph
Last week in a matchup between Hunter Henry the tight end for the L.A. Chargers, Henry had his best game of the season with 5 catches for 90 yards. In fact, 5 of 6 of opposing starting TEs had their best game statistically against the Raiders defense. So far they’ve only averaged about 50 yards per game with a high of 90, but the Raiders have yet to face a tight end like Kelce.
Travis Kelce is 3rd in yards per route run, 2nd in slot performance, and 2nd in deep passing reception yards. Raiders safety Karl Joseph ranks 44th in yards per coverage snap, 34th in coverage snaps per reception, 13th in total yards given up, and a 71.4% completion percentage.
Kelce should be able to take advantage of this matchup as Joseph appears overmatched. Obviously Joseph will have help and will not be the only one covering Kelce, but the Raiders will have Joseph on Kelce alone at some point during the game. Kelce’s top performance so far this season came against the Redskins in a 7 reception 111 yard and 1 TD performance. With the Raiders lackluster defense, Kelce should be in for a similar type of game. My bet is Kelce will end up with 10 receptions, 125 receiving yards and 1 touchdown.
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