Oakland Raiders X-Factors against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2

Defense

Nicholas Morrow

Last year in Week 13 against Kansas City, Morrow arguably had the best game of his career as he only allowed 22 receiving yards. The former college safety is Oakland’s best linebacker in coverage and will likely be called upon to help contain Travis Kelce. It would be in the team’s best interest to mix up coverages against the tight end, and part of those plans will include Morrow.

Throughout his career Kelce has been a thorn in the Raiders side, as he has accumulated 648 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games. The two-time All-Pro will certainly be a key piece of the Chiefs game plan, especially with Tyreek Hill‘s injury. Hopefully Morrow is up for the challenge and can build on his performance from last year.

Gareon Conley

After suffering a scary neck injury on Monday, Conley has been a limited participant in practice this week, but the coaching staff is confident he’ll play against the Chiefs. Not only does Oakland need its best corner to suit up, but also the team needs him to perform at a high level.

Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City’s passing attack took the league by storm last season and if week one is any indication, that’s not going to change anytime soon. Even without Tyreek Hill, there will still be plenty of weapons on field for Mahomes. For example, last week wide receiver Sammy Watkins caught everyone by surprise with nine catches for 198 yards and three touchdowns.

Regardless of who lines up across from Conley, if the Raiders are going to slow down the Chiefs offense, the cornerback needs to step-up in a big way.

Curtis Riley

With Johnathan Abram going on injured reserve earlier in the week, the Silver and Black will be relying on one of its backup safeties on Sunday. Riley is like the likely replacement and he was able to get his feet wet in the season opener by taking 25 snaps on defense. The common theme with the x-factors on defense, is each of them are going to be called upon to contain the division rival’s offensive weapons and Riley is no different.

As mentioned above, mixing up the looks on Kelce will help Oakland’s defense contain the big tight end. However, this will likely lead to some one-on-one matchups between him and the backup safety. Riley is known for his coverage skills, but at 6’0″, he will have a size disadvantage on 6’5″ Kelce.

Andy Reid will likely want to take advantage of this matchup, so if Riley can persevere, Kansas City’s offensive game plan will need to be altered.