Raiders vs. Chiefs 12/25/23 – As the NFL regular season heads into its crucial final stages, the Las Vegas Raiders, holding a 6-8 record, face a daunting challenge against the 9-5 Kansas City Chiefs in Week 16. This December 25, 2023, matchup at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium is not just a game but a testament to resilience and strategy. For those seeking football expert free picks, this encounter offers a blend of tactical play and individual brilliance.
Raiders vs. Chiefs 12/25/23
| When: | Monday, December 25, 2023, at 1:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium |
| TV: | CBS |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raiders | +10 -110 | o41 -110 | +395 |  |
| Chiefs | -10 -110 | u41 -110 | -500 | |
| ||||
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— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) December 22, 2023
Aidan O’Connell QB vs. Patrick Mahomes QB
The Raiders quarterback, Aidan O’Connell, has put up modest numbers so far this season in his 8 starts, completing 63.1% of his passes for 1,613 yards, 8 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. His yardage totals and scoring production have been limited, while the high interception numbers are concerning. He has also taken 18 sacks and struggles against pressure. There are clear accuracy issues on downfield throws and an inability to stretch the field vertically. All signs point to the Raiders preferring a conservative passing attack centered on short and intermediate timing throws. This approach is unlikely to keep pace if the Chiefs offense gets rolling. Simply put, the Raiders quarterback lacks the dynamic playmaking talent or aggressive mentality to exploit Kansas City’s vulnerabilities in the secondary.
On the other side, the Chiefs quarterback, Patrick Mahomes remains one of the premier passers in the game today. He has passed for over 3,700 yards and 25 touchdowns already this season, showcasing the strong arm, pinpoint accuracy, and fearless mentality that defines his game. The Raiders defense has been prone to giving up chunk passing plays so expect the Chiefs quarterback to aggressively take shots downfield early and often. Additionally, his mobility and off-script improvisation skills enable him to thrive even when the pocket breaks down. The Raiders have struggled mightily in defending athletic quarterbacks who can extend plays with their legs. Overall, the Chiefs quarterback stands head and shoulders above his Raiders counterpart entering this matchup.
Raiders’ Ground and Air Coordination
The Raiders’ offense relies heavily on Josh Jacobs, who has racked up 805 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns. His performance, particularly in controlling the game tempo, will be vital. In the air, Davante Adams, with 968 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns, is a key asset. His connection with O’Connell could be decisive in breaking through the Chiefs’ defense.
Chiefs’ Offensive Mastery
Kansas City showcases a balanced offensive strategy. Isiah Pacheco, the running back with 779 rushing yards, offers a steady ground game. In the receiving department, Rashee Rice, with 754 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns, has been a consistent threat. This balanced attack poses a significant challenge for the Raiders’ defense.
NFL Betting Odds: Kansas City Chiefs -450, Over/Under: 42
The Chiefs are heavily favored in this matchup, as the -450 Moneyline suggests, with a spread of -10. The over/under at 42 points indicates expectations for a moderately high-scoring game, likely influenced by the Chiefs’ potent offense and the Raiders’ inconsistent defense.
Trends
Las Vegas Raiders Betting Trends
Las Vegas are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Las Vegas’ last 12 games.
Las Vegas are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games against Kansas City.
Las Vegas are 0-6 SU in their last 6 games against Kansas City.
Raiders are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games on the road.
Las Vegas are 1-9 SU in their last 10 games when playing on the road against Kansas City.
Kansas City Chiefs Betting Trends
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Kansas City’s last 10 games.
Kansas City are 15-5 SU in their last 20 games.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Kansas City’s last 7 games against Las Vegas.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Kansas City’s last 5 games at home.
Kansas City are 9-1 SU in their last 10 games when playing at home against Las Vegas.
Kansas City are 13-2 SU in their last 15 games against an opponent in the American Football Conference conference.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs Betting Picks
Considering the trends and current form, the Chiefs seem to be the clear favorites. However, the Raiders, with their back against the wall, might put up a spirited fight, potentially covering the spread. For prop bets, focusing on individual player performances like Mahomes’ passing yards or Jacobs’ rushing yards could be intriguing.
For those using top betting websites, this game offers a mix of safe bets (Chiefs to win) and potential value picks (Raiders to cover the spread). The over/under is a tricky bet, but given the Chiefs’ offensive prowess, betting on the over might be a worthwhile risk.
Score Prediction: Chiefs 30, Raiders 21
