Chiefs-Raiders scouting report

When the Chiefs run

Star running back Jamaal Charles is banged up but is expected to play. Even if he shares some carries with backup Knile Davis, the Chiefs should be able to generate some movement in the running game against a defensive front that will be weakened by the absence of linjured inebacker Sio Moore. Look for the Raiders to stack the box against the run, much as the Cardinals did a week ago.

When the Chiefs pass

For the last few weeks, opponents have had success sending blitzes and stunts at quarterback Alex Smith (left). This has created problems for the Chiefs’ offensive line, which has allowed 38 sacks, the 23rd most in the league. Even though the Raiders’ pass rush hasn’t gotten home often this year — their 18 sacks rank 30th in the league — Chiefs coach Andy Reid is going to have to dial up some creative play calls to flip this category in his team’s direction.

When the Raiders run

The Raiders’ woeful run game will receive a boost with the return of impressive young running back Latavius Murray (below), who boasts impressive size (6-3, 230) and speed, which he showed off on a 90-yard touchdown run against the Chiefs a few weeks ago. He is a better option than the Raiders’ older backs, Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew. Murray, in addition to the Raiders’ big offensive line, could cause problems for a run defense that struggled with its tackling and gap discipline the last month.

When the Raiders pass

Rookie quarterback Derek Carr shows promise. He needs to work on his decision-making and accuracy but he shows good pocket awareness — he does not get sacked much, as Oakland has given up the fifth-fewest sacks in the league. The Chiefs have racked up 34 sacks, tied for 10th most in the league, so they should be able to generate some pressure on Carr. The Raiders generated some big plays against the Chiefs’ secondary when the two teams met a few weeks ago, but the Chiefs generally do well against the pass and should be better this time around.

Special teams

The Chiefs’ return units are superior to the Raiders — they boast a higher kick- and punt-return average — and their rookie kicker, Cairo Santos, is having a solid year that is comparable to veteran Sebastian Janikowski’s. The same can be said for Dustin Colquitt, who has nailed only two punts fewer inside the 20 than Oakland’s Marquette King in 25 fewer attempts.

Coaching

With the exception of their embarrassing 52-0 loss to the Rams a few weeks ago, the Raiders haven’t quit under interim coach Tony Sparano (left). In fact, Oakland has won two of its last three games. But Reid has a better track record, and is likely motivated to avoid the first four-game losing streak of his Kansas City tenure.

X-factor

The Chiefs should be embarrassed by their loss to the Raiders a few weeks ago. At the time, Oakland was 0-10. Look for the Chiefs to play with an edge today — it also doesn’t hurt that this is a game they need to have if they want to make the playoffs.

Bottom line: Chiefs 27-17

The Chiefs have the benefit of playing at home against a woeful team. What’s more, they should be motivated to prove their loss to the Raiders was a fluke and end a three-game losing streak.

Terez A. Paylor, tpaylor@kcstar.com

This story was originally published December 13, 2014 at 7:09 PM with the headline "Chiefs-Raiders scouting report."