Raiders vs. Chiefs NFL Week 13 Picks: How to Bet This Black Friday Game

Raiders Fall Against Broncos

The Raiders’ struggles continued Sunday with a 29-19 loss to the Broncos at home, as Denver’s rookie quarterback Bo Nix set a franchise record with 273 passing yards and two touchdowns. The defeat marks Las Vegas’ seventh consecutive loss, its longest skid since the 2017-18 season.

Las Vegas quarterback Gardner Minshew left the game late after injuring his left shoulder, forcing backup Desmond Ridder into action. Before his exit, Minshew completed 25 of 42 passes for 230 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception.

One of the game’s most surprising plays came on a fake punt, where punter AJ Cole connected with linebacker Divine Deablo for a 34-yard pass, setting up a second-quarter field goal.

Kicker Daniel Carlson kept the Raiders competitive with four field goals, matching Broncos kicker Will Lutz in a duel of precision. The pair combined to go a perfect 9-for-9 on field goals, including three from beyond 50 yards.

Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers led the Raiders with 10 catches for 121 yards, while running back Sincere McCormick added 33 yards on five carries.

Despite these efforts, the Raiders were severely undermanned, missing key contributors such as running backs Alexander Mattison (ankle) and Zamir White (quadriceps), cornerbacks Nate Hobbs (ankle) and Jakorian Bennett (shoulder), two defensive linemen, and a starting safety.

Chiefs Survive in Carolina

Patrick Mahomes delivered another signature performance, leading the Chiefs to a dramatic 30-27 win over the Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mahomes orchestrated the 21st game-winning drive of his career, capped by Spencer Shrader’s 31-yard field goal as time expired. It was Kansas City’s fifth win this season decided in the final seconds.

Mahomes completed 27 of 37 passes for 269 yards and three touchdowns, adding 60 rushing yards. The Chiefs scored on six of their eight possessions, with tight end Noah Gray shining again, catching four passes for 66 yards and two touchdowns for the second consecutive week.

DeAndre Hopkins added five catches for 35 yards and a touchdown, while Kareem Hunt contributed 68 rushing yards on 16 carries and three receptions for 19 yards.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid praised Mahomes’ composure under pressure but expressed concerns about the team’s nine penalties, which cost Kansas City 90 yards.

Tight end Travis Kelce moved into third place in career receiving yards among tight ends, trailing only Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten, though he was held out of the end zone for the ninth time in 11 games this season.

Key Matchups

The Raiders limp into this divisional clash on a seven-game losing streak, facing a Chiefs squad that has shown a knack for pulling out close victories.

Las Vegas is depleted on both sides of the ball, while Kansas City continues to ride the brilliance of Mahomes, who orchestrated yet another game-winning drive last week. This matchup will come down to whether the Raiders can overcome their injury woes and if the Chiefs’ offense can maintain its efficiency despite penalties.

Patrick Mahomes vs. Raiders’ Secondary

Mahomes is coming off a stellar performance, throwing for 269 yards and three touchdowns while adding 60 yards on the ground. With the Raiders missing two starting cornerbacks in Nate Hobbs and Jakorian Bennett, Mahomes will have opportunities to exploit mismatches in the secondary.

Kelce, fresh off moving into third place in career receiving yards by a tight end, could have a significant impact in the intermediate passing game, even if he hasn’t been finding the end zone as often this season.

Raiders’ Passing Attack vs. Chiefs’ Defense

Minshew has been solid but unspectacular, completing 25 of 42 passes for 230 yards with a touchdown and an interception last week. With the Raiders relying on Meyers—who had an impressive 121-yard game—their ability to sustain drives through the air will be critical.

However, facing a Chiefs defense that has been opportunistic in creating pressure and turnovers could limit Minshew’s effectiveness, especially if he’s not fully healthy.

Raiders’ Rushing Game vs. Chiefs’ Run Defense

The Raiders’ backfield has been decimated by injuries, with both Mattison and White sidelined. This leaves the ground attack in the hands of McCormick, who managed just 33 yards on five carries against the Broncos, and Ameer Abdullah (28 rushing yards on eight carries last week).

Kansas City’s defense, led by its front seven, should have little trouble containing a one-dimensional rushing attack, forcing the Raiders to rely heavily on the pass.

Chiefs’ Offensive Weapons vs. Raiders’ Defense

Gray’s emergence as a red-zone threat (two touchdowns in back-to-back games) and Hopkins’ reliability in key moments provide Mahomes with plenty of options. The Raiders’ defense, already thin due to injuries, will struggle to contain this balanced attack, especially if they can’t generate consistent pressure up front.

Special Teams and Turnovers

Both teams boast reliable kickers, with Daniel Carlson and Will Lutz combining to make nine field goals last week, including multiple from 50+ yards. While special teams should remain steady, penalties and turnovers could swing the game.

The Chiefs’ nine penalties for 90 yards last week were a concern, but the Raiders’ injury-depleted roster might struggle to capitalize on those mistakes.

The Pick

The Chiefs’ offensive efficiency, coupled with the Raiders’ depleted roster and lack of depth, should give Kansas City the upper hand. Mahomes’ ability to extend plays and pick apart an undermanned secondary will likely be the difference, while the Raiders’ offense could struggle to find consistency against a well-coached Chiefs defense.

I like the Over, they might be depleted but the Raiders scored 19 points against the Broncos and they can contribute to the final score. The total is a bit low and the Chiefs have an explosive offense.

NFL Pick: Over 42.5 (-110) at Bookmaker

Over 42.5 (-110)

Visit Site

*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.