Any of these 4 guys could play major role in outcome of Sunday’s KC Chiefs-Raiders game
The Chiefs are riding a five-game winning streak, while the Las Vegas Raiders are reeling after losing four of their past five games.
With a noon kickoff Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium, the Chiefs (8-4) have an opportunity to deepen the woes of the Raiders (6-6) and gain more ground in the AFC West with five games remaining in the regular season.
Here are some players besides obvious stars like Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Raiders quarterback Derek Carr to keep an eye on Sunday.
Chiefs tackle Andrew Wylie
Wylie will continue to start at right tackle as long as rookie Lucas Niang remains on the mend from an injury to his ribs. Wylie’s first start this season occurred in Week 10, and he, along with the rest of the Chiefs’ offensive line, exceeded expectations against a formidable Raiders pass rush.
The Chiefs need a repeat performance from Wylie in Week 14.
Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman
Hardman has pulled a disappearing act over the past three games, seeing a season-low nine offensive snaps in Week 13. The Chiefs continue to say they haven’t lost faith in the third-year pro, but his lack of playing time suggests otherwise.
The only way Hardman can regain the trust of the Chiefs’ coaching staff is by making the most of every opportunity he has on the field. In five career games against Las Vegas, he has six catches for 154 yards and a touchdown — a healthy 17.1 yards per reception.
A big play or two Sunday might might help him get more involved in the offense.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby
Crosby totaled five tackles and two quarterback hits in Week 10 against the Chiefs, but for the most part, he was a non-factor. The Raiders pass rusher has been quiet over the past month and hasn’t recorded a sack since Week 6.
The Chiefs don’t want Crosby to suddenly reemerge with a breakout game at their expense.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs
After two straight 1,000-yard rushing campaigns to start his career, Jacobs has found the going tough in his third season. He enters Week 14 with just 472 yards on 124 carries and is averaging a career-low 3.8 yards per attempt.
Jacobs has enjoyed some success against the Chiefs in the past, so they’ll be looking for him Sunday. The Raiders are at their best when Jacobs gets going, and the hosts don’t want that to happen.
