Chiefs vs. Raiders: Writers unanimously predict Kansas City to win

In our week 17 writer predictions, the Kansas City Chiefs are predicted to roll past the Oakland Raiders and into the number one playoff seed.

Coming off losses to the Los Angeles Chargers and the Seattle Seahawks, the Kansas City Chiefs are in need of a win. The Chiefs have now had two weeks in a row with an opportunity to lock up a first round bye, and have blown both of those opportunities. Now, it’s crunch time for the Chiefs.

If the Chiefs win, not only will they secure the division and a first round bye, but also secure home field advantage throughout the playoffs. If the Chiefs lose, however, they will cede home field advantage to either the Chargers or the New England Patriots—unless both the Chargers and Patriots lose. While it is not a must win for the Chiefs, since they clinched the playoffs weeks ago, a win would sure be nice to keep them playing at Arrowhead until the Super Bowl.

The Chiefs will be playing on Sunday without wide receiver Sammy Watkins again, and might be without safety Eric Berry and cornerback Kendall Fuller as well, who are questionable. On top of that, they might be down to one running back as running backs Spencer Ware and Darrel Williams also received the questionable designation.

More from Arrowhead Addict

They have been managing without Sammy Watkins for the past month, and managed without Eric Berry almost all season, and do not necessarily need them against a bad Oakland Raiders team, but it would be nice to have them healthy. Having both Berry and Fuller out would be a huge hit to the already struggling Chiefs secondary. On top of that, if Ware and Darrel Williams are unable to go, the Chiefs would have to rely on only Damien Williams and fullback Anthony Sherman.

Our writers don’t feel worried about the injuries at all, nor do any of them feel concerned that the Raiders are not as much as a pushover as they were at the beginning of the season. The Chiefs were unanimously picked to roll by the Raiders with ease.

Drew Brooks

The Chiefs are at the lowest point of their season, with a two game losing streak, but will bounce back and finish the season strong against the Raiders. The Raiders beat the Pittsburgh Steelers three weeks ago, but the following week they lost to the Cincinnati Bengals, who were led by quarterback Jeff Driskel. Ultimately, though the Raiders picked up a nice win against the Steelers, they don’t have what it takes to beat Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. Mahomes will throw for at least 4 touchdowns en route to a Chiefs blowout victory. Chiefs 42, Raiders 20

Matt Conner

The Chiefs will roll on Sunday because they have to. So far with the AFC on the line, they are 0-2 which doesn’t exactly bode well for the fan base’s faith in this team to look any different in January than previous postseasons, but here’s hoping that a very real must win will kick things in gear for the coaching staff and defense (and even the offense which has sputtered like an old mower at times). Chiefs 35, Raiders 21

Jalon Dodson

Chiefs have something to prove to its fans. Mahomes will not slow down this game. He’s going to punish the Raiders and make them regret stepping into Arrowhead. Mahomes throws 6 TD. Very bold prediction. Chiefs 42, Raiders 24

Greg Florkowski

With the playoffs looming the Raiders will look to play spoiler to the AFC leading Chiefs. They are led by Derek Carr who has played good as of late leading his team to victories in 2 of the last 3 weeks including a huge win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs will look to go into the offseason with a victory and the Chiefs will come out swinging after another hard fought loss. The Defense will also look to cement the lineup heading in to the Playoffs. The Chiefs will easily win this division game. Chiefs 35, Raiders 21

Lyle Graversen

You have to believe the Chiefs will come out motivated for this one. While the Raiders have been better later in the season they are still just 1-6 on the road this season with their one win against the Arizona Cardinals. They’re only scoring 15.4 points per game on the road. Meanwhile, the Chiefs are 6-1 at home and are only giving up 20.1 points per game at Arrowhead. The Chiefs take care of business. Chiefs 34, Raiders 24

Jacob Harris

Easy win. Chiefs don’t run the score up too badly and coast to the 1 seed. No problem. Chiefs 35, Raiders 21

Matthew Loomis

I hope people don’t think the Raiders are still the pushovers they were in October? They have beaten some good teams and with five first-round picks, I don’t think Gruden will “try to lose” this game to get a higher pick. With 5 first round picks, Gruden can easily make a trade to move up in the draft if he wants. Also, Gruden would love to set the tone for next year on a positive note by beating the Chiefs. So this game is not going to be easy for KC. However, there is too much at stake for the Chiefs to overlook this game, and they are clearly the more talented team. Playing at home, I like the Chiefs. (If the Raiders still had Amari Cooper and Khalil Mack, they might have won.) Chiefs 31, Raiders 20

Ellen Tolsma

Chiefs will win. They have so much more to play for than the Raiders. All the Raiders have to do is show up to collect their paycheck and their season is over. The Chiefs are playing for the number 1 overall seed. They will win. Chiefs 42, Raiders 17

Thomas Welte

The Chiefs are in a must-win situation against the division rival Raiders. A loss would pull the plug on the tub of Kansas City’s playoff momentum. I expect the game to be closer than what most fans want, but Chiefs pull it off a win. Chiefs 42, Raiders 28

Mason Whitlock

Chiefs Kingdom, relax. Yes we had some struggles the past couple of weeks. But this is it! Today, in Arrowhead. The Chiefs will secure the number one seed. Mahomes will throw 2+ touchdowns, breaking the 50 touchdown mark. Mahomes will also throw for 300+ breaking 5,000 on the season. Damien Williams will perform well, with 120+ yards from scrimmage and 2 touchdowns. The defense will play above expectations, and the Chiefs will cruise to this victory. Chiefs 41, Raiders 20

Home/Kansas City Chiefs News