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NFL Week 14 Picks: Final Predictions and Over/Under Odds Before Thursday Night
- Updated: December 8, 2016
The Oakland Raiders have passed a lot of tests this season, but they face their biggest to this point in the year Thursday night when they go to Arrowhead Stadium to face the Kansas City Chiefs.
This game is for first place in the AFC West, and while the Raiders (10-2) have a one-game lead over the Chiefs (9-3), the Chiefs would move into the top spot if they win the game. A victory would give the Chiefs a sweep of the season series since they handled the Raiders with ease in a 26-10 victory at the O.co Coliseum in Week 6.
Kansas City is a steady team that wants to establish its running game and its short-passing game. It wants to turn it into a field-position game and let quarterback Alex Smith pick his spots to go after a vulnerable Oakland defense that ranks 30th in yards allowed.
The Chiefs have been limited in recent weeks because Jeremy Maclin has been out with a groin injury. However, there is a good chance he can return for this game, and his ability to get open and then pick up yards after the catch will make him a key factor in this game.
When it comes to moving the football and creating scoring opportunities, the Raiders have a slew of weapons that have been attacking all season. Derek Carr is completing 65.5 percent of his passes and has a remarkable 24-5 touchdown-interception ratio.
Wide receivers Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree are big-play producers, combining for 135 receptions and 11 touchdowns.
The difference may come from the Kansas City defense. While the Chiefs rank 29th in yards allowed, they have several game-changers, including cornerback Marcus Peters (five interceptions), safety Eric Berry (three interceptions, two returned for touchdowns) and outside linebacker Dee Ford (10 sacks). Additionally, pass-rusher Justin Houston has returned to the lineup, and he already has four sacks and a forced fumble.
Those big-play developers on defense may make …
