KC vs Oakland NFL Handicapping
Looking to clinch their first playoff berth in three seasons, the Kansas City Chiefs can inch a little closer to winning the AFC West with a huge road win over the Oakland Raiders on Sunday afternoon.
When: Sunday, Dec.15, 2013 at 4:05 p.m. EST
Where: O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California
TV: CBS
LINE: +4.5 (Raiders), O/U 41.5
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After dropping three straight, the Chiefs (10-3) beat up on Washington 45-10 last time out, improving to 5-1 on the road.
And while the offense has turned in four straight solid performances, averaging 385 total yards, the injury-riddled KC defense struggled during their three-game slide.
However, the defense seems to have turned a corner, following a solid effort against the Redskins, and could get a little better with the return of linebacker Justin Houston who is set to be back in action after recovering from an elbow injury.
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The funny thing is, despite the setbacks he Chiefs have faced over the last four outings, they still only allow an AFC-best 17 points per game and possess the best turnover margin in the league at plus-15.
Now they will aim to win for the ninth time in their last 11 trips to Oakland, against a Raiders team that was still in the race for a playoff spot before losing three straight and five of six.
Oakland (4-9) has had its share of woes this season, but perhaps its worst, like seasons past, revolves around the quarterback position.
For now it looks like the Raiders are going with Matt McGloin who has passed for 957 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions in four games as the starter.
The Raiders will also likely mix in a little of Terrelle Pryor who completed 18-of-34 passes for 216 yards and ran for a team-high 60 yards against the Chiefs back in Week 6.
Pryor is one of the leaders for the AFC’s best rushing attack at 13 4yards per game. However, as good as Oakland is on the ground, it is one of the worst at stopping the run, and has allowed more than 100 rushing yards in nine of 13 games.
Not good as Kansas City won the first meeting, getting 128 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns from running back Jamaal Charles in a 24-7 home victory.
Matt’s Free Prediction
The Chiefs have struggled, but have shown what they can win games with a healthy defense.
And while they will have their hands full with the Oakland rushing attack, with a little run magic of their own, take this one on the road.
Chiefs 24, Raiders 17
