Raiders vs. Chiefs: position-by-position breakdown
The Raiders host the Kansas City Chiefs at 5:25 p.m. Thursday. Here’s a breakdown by position.
Quarterbacks
There’s something off about Derek Carr this season. The Raiders’ star quarterback hasn’t looked his usual self on the field even before the back injury. Carr has failed to throw for 2oo yards or more in three straight games. He isn’t taking shots down the field and is averaging 6.65 yards per completion. The deep ball has been working for previously labeled game manager and now MVP candidate Alex Smith.
Advantage: Chiefs
Running backs
Chiefs rookie sensation Kareem Hunt has outrushed the entire Raiders team. Hunt leads the NFL in rushing yards with 630 while the Raiders as a team have combined for 562, which ranks 22nd in the NFL. Marshawn Lynch has struggled during his first year as a Raider. Lynch hasn’t rushed for more than 63 yards in a game this season.
Advantage: Chiefs
Receivers
Outside of Michael Crabtree, the Raiders’ receivers haven’t contributed much in the last month. That hasn’t been the case in Kansas City. Smith has a surplus of weapons starting with Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. De’Anthony Thomas and Albert Wilson have stepped up for big plays.
Advantage: Chiefs
Offensive line
The Chiefs’ offensive line was enjoying a standout season until it ran into James Harrison and the Steelers a week ago. Left tackle Eric Fisher was unable to keep defenders in front of him, which led to a poor day from Smith and Hunt in Week 6. The Raiders only allowed the dynamic duo of Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa to get one sack last week.
Advantage: Raiders
Defensive line
Both teams struggle against the run. The Raiders are ranked 23rd against the run and the Chiefs sit at 27th. Raiders pass rusher Khalil Mack continues to dominate offensive lines. Chiefs edge rusher Justin Houston is enjoying a bounce-back season.
Advantage: Raiders
Linebackers
The Chiefs are led by Derrick Johnson, Reggie Ragland and Dee Ford. The Raiders received reinforcements this week with the signing of ex-49er NaVorro Bowman. His playing status for Thursday is unknown.
Advantage: Chiefs
Secondary
The Chiefs’ secondary has had a rocky season, but they still feature arguably the best cornerback in Marcus Peters. The Chiefs might ask Peters to shadow Crabtree instead of Amari Cooper, who’s having a poor season. The Raiders are thin at defensive back and could be without rookie Gareon Conley.
Advantage: Chiefs
Special teams
The Chiefs probably have the two fastest returners in Hill and Thomas. Rookie kickers Harrison Butker and Giorgio Tavecchio will battle on Thursday. Tavecchio missed a costly extra point for the Raiders last week.
Advantage: Chiefs
Intangibles
The Chiefs own a five-game winning streak against the Raiders. Kansas City has the mental edge over the Raiders, who are in the midst of a four-game losing streak.
Advantage: Chiefs
Handicapper’s take
Micah Roberts (Sportsline.com): Chiefs 23-13 — The Chiefs are coming off their first loss of the season, at home against the Steelers, and the Raiders lost their fourth straight in another sluggish performance, against the Chargers. The two will meet in a rivalry in which Kansas City has won five straight. Last season, the Raiders were the NFL’s most entertaining team. This season, they’re boring and rank No. 30 in offense with 278 yards a game. The offensive line can’t block or create holes, Marshawn Lynch looks like he should have stayed retired and Amari Cooper is having trouble catching the ball. I don’t consider the Chiefs 6 points better than Oakland on a neutral field, which is what the 3-point spread is suggesting, but the teams are in a much different state of mind. The Raiders are chasing for answers, and the Chiefs have the confident swagger of knowing they’re good and can beat anyone.
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Contact Gilbert Manzano at gmanzano@reviewjournal.com. Follow @GManzano24 on Twitter.
