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Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs: 3 players to watch in Week 13

By Thomas Wheaton

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 07: Erik Harris #25 of the Oakland Raiders runs to the end zone to score a touchdown after intercepting a pass by Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers in the first quarter at RingCentral Coliseum on November 07, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 07: Erik Harris #25 of the Oakland Raiders runs to the end zone to score a touchdown after intercepting a pass by Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers in the first quarter at RingCentral Coliseum on November 07, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 28: Erik Harris #25 of the Oakland Raiders reacts after dropping an interception against the Indianapolis Colts in the end zone during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 28: Erik Harris #25 of the Oakland Raiders reacts after dropping an interception against the Indianapolis Colts in the end zone during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /

3. Erik Harris

It seemed like the Raiders defense was trending in the right direction, and then they spotted the Jets 34 points in what was supposed to be a winnable game. So…maybe not? Who knows, the unit is more up and down than a roller coaster. Regardless of which direction they have been trending, they need to show up on Sunday if the Raiders have any hope of escaping Arrowhead with a big victory.

One easy mismatch to identify is the Chiefs affinity to break off big plays and the Raiders penchant for allowing plays of over 20 yards. That ultimately falls on the secondary as they are allowing receivers to beat them over the top. The Chiefs’ receivers? They might be the most lethal unit in the league in terms of using speed to beat opponents over the top.

Erik Harris is going to have his hands full trying to keep Tyreek Hill and company from taking the top off the Raiders defense. If Harris can limit the big plays the defense gives up and helps them get off the field on third downs, the offense may be able to carry the team to a win.

In an ideal world Harris makes a play, maybe picking off Patrick Mahomes, late in the game with the score close. Nonetheless, Harris is absolutely vital for Sunday’s contest so keep an eye on how he plays.

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