Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders: Live updates, analysis of Week 18 game
The NFL season will come to a close for both of these teams after the clock hits zero, overtime notwithstanding. So consider this game a combination of a rookie showcase and possible farewell tour for Travis Kelce and Matt Nagy — and a definite one for the 2025 iteration of the Kansas City Chiefs.
How should you view this season? Well, it’s complicated.
If your glass is half full, you might note the Chiefs will get a full offseason of rest with the added bonus of a top-15 (and possible top-10) draft pick. That should allow Kansas City to retool around Patrick Mahomes and make up for some roster deficiencies in a hurry.
On the other side, Mahomes’ ACL injury will be a storyline into next season. And as columnist Sam McDowell chronicled this week, this is the exact type of AFC playoff field the Chiefs of old could have capitalized on for yet another Super Bowl run.
There’s a whole offseason, though, to worry about that. For now, Week 18 awaits. Here’s how to watch and listen to Chiefs-Raiders.
KC Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders: Stats, score updates and commentary
Follow updates and commentary from our KC Star team, including beat reporters Pete Sweeney and Blair Kerkhoff and columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell, as the Chiefs close out the 2025 NFL season.
You can also see stats, scores and play-by-play below:
Three storylines for Chiefs vs. Raiders
1. The rookie showcase
Which rookies will see the field Sunday? Some from that group, like Nohl Williams and Ashton Gillotte, have earned their way into more playing time. Others, like Jalen Royals and Jeffrey Bassa, are still waiting for their breakout performance.
With plenty of names filling up the injury report for a second straight week, expect lots of younger players to hear their numbers called.
2. This game has serious (NFL Draft) stakes
The last time the Kansas City Chiefs picked in the top 10, it was when they traded up to select Patrick Mahomes. The last time they had a top-10 pick on their own merits (or lack thereof)? The Eric Fisher draft in 2013.
A top-10 pick is not guaranteed — and that’s part of why this game is so important to both sides. A Raiders loss clinches the No. 1 pick for Las Vegas. The Chiefs’ draft range is a little more complicated, but they could end up all the way at No. 8.
3. Is this the end for Travis Kelce?
Some Chiefs veterans will be playing Sunday, like Hollywood Brown — who has multiple contract incentives up for grabs — and Travis Kelce, who could be playing his final game in a Kansas City uniform.
Kelce isn’t tipping his hand about what his future holds, but fans will certainly pay extra attention to No. 87, even with Chris Oladokun leading the offense. Is a big game in store?
