Game Preview
Both the Raiders and Chiefs looked solid in Week 1, picking up convincing victories against tough defenses. Patrick Mahomes continued his dominance right away, throwing for three touchdowns and 378 yards despite being without Tyreek Hill for most of the game.
Although Tyreek Hill will not be in the game, the Chiefs still have a ton of weapons on offense, including Sammy Watkins, who recorded nine catches for 198 yards and three touchdowns. They also have the best tight end in the NFL with Travis Kelce, running backs LeSean McCoy and Damien Williams.
The Raiders defense looked vastly improved in Week 1, holding the Broncos to under 100 rushing yards, and allowing only one touchdown in the game. The Raiders had a pass rush that was nonexistent in 2018, something that a team has to have to compete with Patrick Mahomes. Without Johnathan Abram, the Raiders will not have the presence downfield that they would want, but the key match up here is Gareon Conley vs Sammy Watkins.
The Chiefs defense was not impressive in Week 1, as the Jaguars quarterbacks combined for three touchdowns and one interception, putting up 26 points on Kansas City. The Jaguars QBs consisted of Nick Foles and Gardner Minshew, two below average quarterbacks.
Expect Derek Carr and the Raiders offense to have a big game against Kansas City, picking apart their secondary with Tyrell Williams and Darren Waller, and keeping the Chiefs offense off the field with Josh Jacobs getting over 20 carries in back to back weeks.
Even if the Raiders offense comes out and torches the Chiefs defense, will they be able to keep up with arguably the best offense in the NFL in Kansas City?