Chiefs vs. Raiders NFL Week 8 Picks: Will Both Teams Light Up the Scoreboard?

Chiefs Keep Finding Ways to Win

Patrick Mahomes shook off two interceptions and made key plays with his legs as the Chiefs stayed unbeaten, defeating the 49ers 28-18 in a Super Bowl rematch on Sunday. Despite Mahomes’ struggles in the air, the Chiefs found success on the ground, rushing for a season-high 184 yards and notching four rushing touchdowns—their most since the 2018 playoff win over Indianapolis.

Kansas City’s defense came up big as well, forcing three interceptions from Brock Purdy. Mahomes finished the game with 154 passing yards—his second lowest in a full game—and completed 16 of 27 passes. He also added 39 rushing yards and a touchdown on five carries.

Although Mahomes has thrown eight interceptions and only six passing touchdowns this season, it’s been enough to guide the defending champions to a 6-0 start, making them just the 10th team in NFL history to do so after a Super Bowl victory.

Kareem Hunt led the Chiefs’ rushing attack with 78 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries, while Noah Gray contributed 66 receiving yards on four catches. Mecole Hardman added to the ground game, running for 38 yards and a touchdown on two carries, along with one catch for 17 yards.

Turnovers Doom Raiders Against Rams

The Rams took advantage of Gardner Minshew’s struggles, forcing four turnovers in a 20-15 victory over the Raiders on Sunday. Minshew was thrust into action after Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell left the game with a hand injury in the second series, following a collision with Kam Curl.

Minshew threw for 154 yards but couldn’t lead the Raiders into the end zone, as the team settled for five field goals by Daniel Carlson after multiple red zone failures. The Raiders will assess O’Connell’s hand injury after further testing in Las Vegas.

In their first game since trading star wide receiver Davante Adams to the Jets, the Raiders’ offense relied heavily on rookie tight end Brock Bowers, who hauled in 10 catches for 93 yards. Minshew, who had started the season as the team’s quarterback before losing the job to O’Connell, struggled to provide a consistent spark and had three interceptions.

Key Matchups

The Chiefs, riding the wave of their ground game and stifling defense, face a Raiders squad dealing with injuries at quarterback and red zone inefficiencies. Mahomes may not be putting up the usual aerial numbers, but his ability to make plays with his legs, combined with a solid rushing attack, has been enough to carry Kansas City.

On the other side, Minshew will need to stabilize a Raiders offense that has struggled to find the end zone, even with the emergence of rookie tight end Bowers.

Patrick Mahomes vs. Raiders’ Secondary

Mahomes may have thrown for only 154 yards in his last game, but his mobility has been crucial in sustaining drives. The Raiders’ defense, which forced multiple turnovers last week, will need to tighten up their pass coverage and prevent Mahomes from escaping the pocket for key gains. 

The challenge for the Raiders will be limiting Mahomes’ ability to extend plays, especially considering his relatively low passing output of late. The real test will come in the red zone, where Kansas City has been clinical with their ground game.

Kareem Hunt and the Chiefs’ Rushing Attack vs. Raiders’ Front Seven 

Kansas City’s rushing attack has found new life, with Hunt leading the charge. Hunt’s 78 yards and two touchdowns last week are part of a broader effort by the Chiefs to diversify their offense. 

The Raiders’ defense, which struggled to keep opponents out of the end zone, will need to step up, especially against a Chiefs team that is not afraid to pound the ball on the ground. If the Raiders can’t slow down the Chiefs’ rushing attack, this game could get away from them quickly.

Brock Bowers vs. Chiefs’ Linebackers and Safeties 

Bowers has become a key target in the Raiders’ passing game, hauling in 10 catches for 93 yards last week. With Minshew under center and Adams no longer in the fold, Bowers will need to have another big day to keep the Raiders’ offense moving. 

Kansas City’s defense, which has already proven capable of generating turnovers, will look to disrupt Minshew’s connection with Bowers. If the Chiefs can neutralize Bowers, the Raiders will struggle to generate offense, especially in the red zone, where they’ve already had difficulties.

Special Teams and Turnovers 

Kansas City’s defense thrives on forcing mistakes, and they’ll aim to capitalize on a Raiders team that has been turnover-prone. Minshew, who threw three interceptions last week, will need to protect the football if the Raiders hope to stay competitive. 

On the flip side, the Chiefs must avoid giving the ball away, particularly with Mahomes’ eight interceptions this season. Special teams play could also be a difference-maker, especially given the Raiders’ reliance on Carlson’s leg.

The Pick

This game will likely be decided by how well the Raiders’ offense can cope with Kansas City’s opportunistic defense and potent rushing attack. Kansas City has a clear advantage in both offensive balance and defensive execution, while the Raiders are still adjusting after trading away Adams and dealing with O’Connell’s injury. 

Minshew may find some success with Bowers, but Kansas City’s defense will force enough mistakes to swing the game in their favor. This is the perfect spot for Mahomes to have a monster performance, which can lead to a high-scoring game.

NFL Pick: Over 41 (-110) at Bookmaker

Over 41 (-110)

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