Thursday Night Football: Kansas City at Oakland Prediction
By Erik Lambert
A bitter rivalry unfolds again on Thursday Night Football. Who will take the win between the Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders?
Subplots
Derek Carr and Raiders have nothing to lose, unlike Chiefs
Sometimes the most dangerous opponents are the ones who were knocked out of the playoff picture early. It can result in them playing looser and more aggressive, sometimes catching the unassuming opponent off guard. At 0-10, that is where the Raiders sit. Meanwhile the Chiefs are knocking on the door to the division lead. The last thing they can afford is a trap game against the league’s worst team and a rookie quarterback in Derek Carr.
Key Matchup
Charles Woodson against Travis Kelce
Everybody knows that Kansas City is going to run the ball, but they will eventually have to pass and over the past few weeks it’s become clear they are going to tight end Travis Kelce more and more. Taking him out of their game plan could really help the Raiders in their efforts to steal a win. Charles Woodson is their best safety, a craft veteran and good enough even at his age to handle covering Kelce.
Fantasy Players To Watch
Latavius Murray – RB
The Oakland Raiders got a glimpse of what Latavius Murray could do when they got him involved against San Diego. In just seven touches he accounted for 59 yards of offense, running and catching. With veterans McFadden and Jones-Drew doing nothing, the time is right for the Silver and Black to see what they have and he should have a good chance to do it. The Kansas City Chiefs boast the 25th ranked run defense in the NFL.
Knile Davis – RB
It’s the perfect setup. One of the best running games in the league on Thursday Night Football going against one of the worst run defenses. Jamaal Charles will naturally see plenty of action, but don’t think for a second the Chiefs won’t incorporate Knile Davis somewhere. He has emerged as the perfect compliment to Charles and may end up being the more productive back in the game give his power style.
Pick: KC 23, OAK 17