Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs: 3 things to watch in Week 13
Can the defense avoid big plays by Mahomes
This Raiders defense allowed Sam Darnold to throw for 315 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions and forfeited a rushing touchdown as well last Sunday. After that debacle, it would be impractical to expect this defense to “stop” or perhaps even “contain” the reigning NFL MVP at Arrowhead. But the Raiders defense simply cannot concede to Mahomes and the Chiefs offense. If anything, they have to avoid big plays at all costs.
The blueprint for a victory is running the ball on offense, controlling the time of possession, and when Patrick Mahomes is under center, pressure him enough to force an inaccurate throw, which we’ve seen from Mahomes at times this season.
2020 NFL Mock Draft: Raiders go defense in first round. dark. Next
It is naive to expect this Raiders defense to shut down Patrick Mahomes, but their best hope is to avoid the big plays that not only move the chains but kill any momentum for Oakland. Sunday will be a deciding game in this playoff race, and if Oakland can manage to hold their own on defense, they will have a chance at pulling off the upset.