Las Vegas Raiders vs Chiefs 2022 Week 18: Bold predictions
By Brad Weiss
The Las Vegas Raiders take on the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18, and here are some bold predictions for this AFC West matchup.
The curtain is about to drop for the Las Vegas Raiders 2022 NFL season, as they play host to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18 eliminated from playoff contention. The fact that the Silver and Black did not make the playoffs this season after what they did last year was a complete disappointment, but they now go into the final weekend of the season looking toward the future.
That future is going to look a lot different, as they made the move from Derek Carr a few weeks back, and will be looking to make a change there. They also will once again have a top-10 pick in next year’s draft, and with some loaded defensive talent, as well as offensive linemen, they should upgrade some week spots.
For now, we take a look at the final regular season game and try to lay out some bold predictions for Week 18.
Las Vegas Raiders vs Chiefs 2022 Week 18: Bold predictions
Stidham once again throws for over 300 yards
One of the bright spots from the Week 17 loss to San Francisco was the play of Jarrett Stidham, who took over for nine-year starter Derek Carr and threw for over 350 yards and three touchdowns. He played a fearless brand of football, standing in the pocket and delivering the ball downfield, something we have not seen in weeks from Carr.
Now, he gets his first start against an AFC West opponent, and he could be in line for another monster performance. The Chiefs have struggled against the pass this season, and with how he looked with Davante Adams and Darren Waller last weekend, another 300-plus yard game could be incoming.
Raiders pick off Mahomes twice
The Raiders’ defense has played much better as of late, and are getting some solid push up front. Even without Chandler Jones in the lineup, the Raiders’ defensive line has done a nice job of making it uncomfortable for the opposing quarterbacks, something that could continue on Saturday.
I like Maxx Crosby to absolutely eat in this one, and get into Mahomes’s face time and time again. That could force some mistakes from the All-Pro signal-caller, possibly even an interception or two.
Davante Adams hauls in two touchdowns
Davante Adams is having an outstanding first season in Las Vegas and has already broken so many records this year. He set the single-season receiving record last weekend against San Francisco, and nobody has hauled in more receiving touchdowns in a single season than he has as well.
In Week 18, I like Adams to finish his first season in the Silver and Black with another huge performance, scoring twice in front of the home fans. That would give him 16 for the season, a record that would be the icing on the cake.