Chiefs-Raiders scouting report

When the Chiefs run

EDGE >> RAIDERS

The first time these two teams met — a 34-20 Chiefs victory on Dec. 6 — Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware combined for 61 yards in 16 attempts, a little less than 4 yards per carry. That’s not great, but the Chiefs might have a little more success at home. It will be interesting to see how the Chiefs fare, especially since there might be some upheaval this week at right tackle, where Jah Reid is questionable because of a knee injury. The Chiefs’ offensive line has generally done a good job working together amid multiple lineups, so that will need to continue.

When the Chiefs pass

EDGE >> CHIEFS

In the first game, Alex Smith was very efficient, completing 16 of 22 passes for 162 yards and two touchdowns. Smith also hurt the Raiders with his legs, rushing five times for 23 yards and a touchdown. Oakland limited tight end Travis Kelce to two catches, but it had a difficult time covering Jeremy Maclin, who caught nine passes for 95 yards and two touchdowns. Smith was sacked four times, including twice by star edge rusher Khalil Mack, but Smith has a good track record against the Raiders — 16 touchdown passes and only one interception.

When the Raiders run

EDGE >> RAIDERS

The Chiefs struggled against the run a week ago, yielding a season-high 232 rushing yards to the Cleveland Browns. Much of that had to do with the legs of Johnny Manziel and the absence of star edge rushers Justin Houston and Tamba Hali, who are both questionable for this game. If one or both plays, this category could be flipped the Chiefs’ way — the Raiders rushed for 99 yards the first time they met — but there’s enough uncertainty to give this one to Oakland right now.

When the Raiders pass

EDGE >> CHIEFS

Derek Carr, a second-year pro, is an ascending player in this league, and he’s had a breakthrough 2015. He completed 31 of 48 passes for 283 yards and two touchdowns against the Chiefs a month ago, but he was also sacked four times and intercepted three times. That’s all part of the learning process for a young quarterback. He throws a lot of short passes and primarily operates out of the shotgun, and he’s got some great targets in Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree and Seth Roberts. They combined for 13 catches, 165 yards and a touchdown the first teams met, but the Chiefs’ corners matched up pretty well with them.

Special teams

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Oakland’s Sebastian Janikowski boasts a superior touchback percentage to the Chiefs’ Cairo Santos, but Santos has made more field goals and has a slightly better percentage there. Oakland punter Marquette King has dropped more punts inside the 20 than Dustin Colquitt, but the Chiefs’ kick- and punt-return units boast better averages, and they do a slightly better job covering kicks and punts, too.

Coaching

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Raiders coach Jack Del Rio has this team on the right track. At 7-8, his first year in Oakland has been a success, win or lose Sunday, and with a ton of cash to spend this offseason, it’s hard to imagine this young team not taking a step forward next year. Veteran offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave’s unit ranks 22nd in the league in yards per game —three spots ahead of the Chiefs — while defensive coordinator Ken Norton, Jr’s unit ranks 22nd —174 spots behind the Chiefs. Still, the Chiefs are winners of nine straight, and while Oakland should be a problem for the foreseeable future, the Chiefs have the edge here at this very moment.

X-factor

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The Chiefs haven’t played lights out lately, and if they continue trending in that direction, they might be due for a clunker. Oakland’s playing for pride, but the chance at a .500 season should be enough to motivate them against the Chiefs. It’s worth noting that future Hall of Fame safety Charles Woodson is playing his final NFL game Sunday, and the Raiders would like to send him out with a win.

Bottom line: Chiefs 20-17

The Chiefs beat the Raiders by 14 a month ago, and this game will be at home. They also have plenty to play for, with the AFC West title still up for grabs. But you never know what to expect in the NFL, so a close, competitive game wouldn’t be a surprise. Still, this Chiefs team probably deserves the benefit of the doubt due to the focus it has shown over the last 2 1/2 months. A win will give the Chiefs a franchise-record 10th win in a row.

This story was originally published January 2, 2016 at 6:30 PM with the headline "Chiefs-Raiders scouting report."