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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Ed Easton Jr.

Chiefs stock watch: Which players impressed during Week 12 vs. Raiders?

On Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs returned to their winning ways on the road against the Las Vegas Raiders. The victory in the division is critical as the team continues to keep pace with the top teams in the AFC, as seeding is essential heading into the postseason.

The defense was caught off balance in the first half, with the Raiders marching down the field for two touchdowns. Trent McDuffie provided more pressure blitzing from the cornerback position, while Chris Jones, George Karlaftis, and the defensive line held strong after Josh Jacobs’ touchdown run. The play of the day was the stop on fourth down late in the final quarter to seal Las Vegas’ fate.

Patrick Mahomes and the offense started slow but picked things up in the second quarter with a steady dose of Isiah Pacheco leading the ground game. Travis Kelce made big plays alongside rookie wide receiver Rashee Rice, who appears more confident in the system as a standout target. Justin Watson has proven to be a top red zone option for the second consecutive game.

The Chiefs didn’t let the tough loss at home last Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles change their mindset on offense. Marquez Valdes-Scantling showed value outside of catches, with several key blocks on scoring drives.

Here’s a look at how the stock is trending for some players after the Week 12 victory at Allegiant Stadium:

Stock Up: Travis Kelce

Nov 22, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) runs the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Kelce bounced back on Sunday with a strong showing, collecting six more catches for 91 yards. He goes over 11,000 career receiving yards and is the only player in Chiefs history to hit that mark. He is the fastest tight end to 11,000 yards in NFL history.

Stock Up: Isiah Pacheco

Nov 26, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Pacheco set a new single-game career high with two touchdowns on Sunday. His five rushing touchdowns this season tie his total on the ground from his rookie year. He ended the day with 55 yards on 15 carries and those two touchdowns.

Stock Up: Patrick Mahomes

Nov 26, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) warms up before the start of a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

It was an efficient outing for Mahomes as he didn’t turn the ball over and still connected with multiple receivers. He finished the victory with 298 yards through the air and two touchdowns.

Stock Up: Rashee Rice

Nov 26, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) is tackled by Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Rice tallied his first career 100-yard receiving game on Sunday as he frustrated the Raiders secondary. He finished the game with eight catches for 107 yards and a touchdown.

Stock Up: George Karlaftis

Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis (56) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Karlaftis’s 13-yard sack on former Purdue teammate and current Raiders quarterback Aiden O’Connell clinched a new single-season career high of eight. The second-year player continues to improve every game, becoming a problem for opposing offenses in the league.

Stock Down: Jawaan Taylor

Oct 12, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor (74) lines up against the Denver Broncos during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Taylor added two more penalties on Sunday, pushing his season total to fourteen. He currently leads all position players in infractions so far this season.

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