Analysts Predict Showdown Outcome for the Las Vegas Raiders

As the Las Vegas Raiders prepare for a make-or-break AFC West showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17, NFL analysts have flooded sports media with predictions—offering conflicting takes on whether the Raiders can upset the division leaders and keep their playoff hopes alive. The game, set to air on Sunday Night Football, pits the Raiders’ red-hot running game (135 yards per game over the last five weeks) against the Chiefs’ top-ranked passing defense (180 yards allowed per game), creating a tactical clash that has analysts debating every angle. Analysts Predict Showdown Outcome for the Las Vegas Raiders breaks down the key factors shaping these predictions, from player matchups to recent form, and explores why some experts see an upset while others expect a Chiefs blowout. For Raiders fans, these predictions aren’t just speculation—they’re a way to gauge their team’s chances of ending a three-game losing streak against their divisional rivals.

Analysts Predict Showdown Outcome for the Las Vegas Raiders starts with the data-driven predictions that favor the Chiefs, led by ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Schefter, in a recent column, pointed to the Chiefs’ dominance in head-to-head matchups (6 wins in the last 7 meetings) and their ability to win close games (8-2 in one-score games this season) as key reasons to pick Kansas City. “The Chiefs have a knack for finding ways to win when it matters most,” Schefter wrote. “Patrick Mahomes is 12-3 in Week 17+ games, and the Raiders’ defense has struggled to contain him—he’s thrown for 300+ yards in three of his last four against Las Vegas.” Rapoport echoed this, highlighting the Chiefs’ healthy roster (only one starter listed as questionable) compared to the Raiders’ injury concerns (right guard Dylan Parham is doubtful with an ankle sprain). “When you have a healthy Mahomes and a cohesive offense going up against a banged-up Raiders line, it’s hard to bet against the Chiefs,” Rapoport said on NFL GameDay Morning. These analysts have set the Chiefs as 6.5-point favorites, citing consistency and playoff experience as the deciding factors.

A growing contingent of analysts, however, is predicting an upset, focusing on the Raiders’ recent momentum and tactical advantages—an angle highlighted in Analysts Predict Showdown Outcome for the Las Vegas Raiders. Pro Football Focus (PFF)’s Sam Monson and CBS Sports’ Bill Cowher are leading this charge, pointing to the Raiders’ running game as a game-changer. Monson noted that the Raiders’ offensive line has graded in the top 5 in run-blocking over the last month, and running back Josh Jacobs (1,350 yards, 11 touchdowns) is averaging 5.2 yards per carry against the Chiefs this season. “The Chiefs’ run defense is middle-of-the-pack (18th in the NFL), and the Raiders have the personnel to exploit that,” Monson said. “If Las Vegas can control the clock with Jacobs and limit Mahomes’ possessions, they can win this game.” Cowher, a former Super Bowl-winning coach, emphasized the Raiders’ defensive improvement: “Maxx Crosby (16 sacks) is playing like a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, and the secondary has picked off 5 passes in the last three games. Mahomes isn’t unbeatable—you just need to pressure him and force turnovers. The Raiders can do both.” These analysts have labeled the Raiders as “sneaky favorites,” with Cowher predicting a 24-21 Raiders win.

Analysts Predict Showdown Outcome for the Las Vegas Raiders also delves into the impact of intangibles—factors like home-field advantage and motivation—that have split expert opinions. The game will be played at Allegiant Stadium, where the Raiders are 6-2 this season and have a loud, sellout crowd expected. Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer argued that this could disrupt the Chiefs’ communication, especially for Mahomes, who relies on audible calls at the line. “The Raiders’ home crowd is one of the loudest in the NFL, and it’s going to make it hard for the Chiefs to adjust plays,” Glazer said. “That’s a huge edge for Las Vegas—especially in a close game.” However, NBC Sports’ Cris Collinsworth pushed back, noting that the Chiefs have won 7 of their last 8 road games against division opponents. “Motivation only gets you so far—experience wins in big games,” Collinsworth said. For the Las Vegas Raiders, these intangible debates highlight a key reality: while data matters, the emotional energy of a playoff-contention game could tip the scales in their favor. “You can’t put a number on how much this game means to the Raiders,” Glazer added. “That hunger might be the difference.”

Another point of contention among analysts, explored in Analysts Predict Showdown Outcome for the Las Vegas Raiders, is the Raiders’ quarterback situation—with Jimmy Garoppolo returning from a four-game knee injury to start against the Chiefs. Some analysts, like ESPN’s Louis Riddick, believe Garoppolo’s return is a boost, as he’s 2-1 against the Chiefs in his career and has a 67% completion rate in prime-time games. “Garoppolo is a calm presence in big moments, and he has chemistry with Davante Adams (98 catches, 1,250 yards) that Brian Hoyer doesn’t,” Riddick said. “Having him back gives the Raiders a legitimate passing threat to complement their running game.” But others, like NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks, worry about Garoppolo’s rust, noting he hasn’t taken a live snap in a month. “Quarterback rhythm is everything, and Garoppolo might struggle early,” Brooks said. “If the Raiders fall behind by two scores, it’s hard to see them coming back—especially against a Chiefs defense that’s been stingy in the second half.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, this debate underscores the high stakes of Garoppolo’s performance: a strong game could validate the upset predictions, while a slow start could sink their playoff chances. “All eyes are on Jimmy,” Riddick said. “He needs to prove he’s ready.”

Looking at how these predictions are resonating with fans and the team, Analysts Predict Showdown Outcome for the Las Vegas Raiders cites a recent survey by The Athletic that found 62% of Raiders fans believe their team will win—higher than the 45% of national analysts picking Las Vegas. The Raiders’ players have also embraced the underdog narrative, with Crosby tweeting: “Analysts can say what they want—we know what we’re capable of.” Head coach Josh McDaniels has even used the conflicting predictions as motivation in practice, posting clips of both pro-Raiders and pro-Chiefs analysts in the locker room. “It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks—we believe in ourselves,” McDaniels said. For the Las Vegas Raiders, these predictions have become a rallying point: proving the analysts wrong would not only keep their playoff hopes alive but also solidify their status as a legitimate AFC contender. “We’re not here to impress the experts,” Jacobs added. “We’re here to win.”

Analysts Predict Showdown Outcome for the Las Vegas Raiders concludes with a simple truth: no prediction is certain, and the game will be decided by the players on the field. While some analysts trust the Chiefs’ history and Mahomes’ brilliance, others see a Raiders team hitting its stride at the right time—with a dominant running game, a healthy quarterback, and a home crowd behind them. For Raiders fans, the conflicting predictions have only added excitement to an already high-stakes game, turning Week 17 into must-watch TV. As kickoff nears, one thing is clear: whether the Raiders upset the Chiefs or fall short, the analysts’ debates will fade—and the team’s performance will speak for itself. In the end, Analysts Predict Showdown Outcome for the Las Vegas Raiders is a reminder of why football is so thrilling: even the experts can’t predict the future—and that’s where the magic happens.