After dropping their Week 11 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles in brutal fashion, the Kansas City Chiefs are heading into their next tilt against the Las Vegas Raiders with a chip on their shoulders.
The comedy of errors that has played out in each of Kansas City’s losses has been as frustrating as it has been concerning. When the Chiefs can’t get out of their own way, it becomes extremely difficult for the team to find the win column.
Kansas City’s fans will certainly hope that the Chiefs can get their act together against the lowly rival Raiders in Week 12 to secure the eighth win of their 2023 campaign.
A loss to Las Vegas would be a crushing blow to Kansas City’s chances of earning the No. 1 seed in Junuary’s AFC playoffs, so this game will be a crucial one for the Chiefs.
Check out our three keys to a Kansas City victory heading into this Week 12 matchup:
Don't allow Josh Jacobs to establish a rhythm on the ground
The Raiders will likely attempt to establish the run with rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell under center in this game. Davante Adams is a top-tier wide receiver, but Las Vegas’ offense is predicated on the run game, which the Raiders use to open up the rest of their offense.
Since Antonio Pierce took over as the interim head coach, Jacobs is averaging 22 carries and 84 yards per game. The Alabama product is a workhorse running back that commands three-down usage.
If the Chiefs shut down Las Vegas’ rushing attack, it will be difficult for the Raiders to move the ball downfield with consistency.
Chiefs' pass-catching options need to help Patrick Mahomes
In a continuance of previous weeks’ dysfunction, Patrick Mahomes was left with mouth agape after the dismal performance of Kansas City’s receiving corps against Philadelphia.
One of the most critical letdowns came from Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who dropped a potential game-winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter on Monday Night Football in Week 11.
Because Kadarius Toney and Mecole Hardman will both miss this game, the receiver rotation will be limited. Rookie receiver Rashee Rice will be a major benefactor of their absence and may be able to make an outsized impact on the game’s final outcome if Mahomes is able to find him in key situations.
In 10 games, the SMU product is Kansas City’s second-leading receiver behind only Travis Kelce. Rice has 36 receptions for 420 yards and four touchdowns to show for his first year in the NFL and is likely to add to those totals against Las Vegas.
Allow the run game to open up the passing attack
The Chiefs aren’t known for running the ball but tend to find more consistent success on offense when Andy Reid eats his vegetables and gets the ground game involved.
Against the Eagles, who have the best run defense in the league, Isiah Pacheco ran for 89 yards on 19 carries. With Jerick McKinnon out, Kansas City needs should lean on Pacheco in the run game, which will also help out this underwhelming passing attack.
Kansas City’s receivers have struggled to create separation off the snap, but an efficient running game will open up space in the intermediate areas of the field for these pass catchers.
