The undefeated Las Vegas Raiders seem like a million years ago. After wins over Carolina and New Orleans, the Raiders have lost two straight. Losses to New England and Buffalo followed the same script. This team isn’t good enough to get out of its own way. In both losses, the Raiders were undone by turnovers and untimely penalties.
With a two game losing streak hanging over the club, the last place they needed to go is Kansas City. The defending Super Bowl champs are clicking on all cylinders. They are coming off a win against the Cam Newton-less New England Patriots. The Chiefs have won three out of their first four games by double-digits including a dominant performance at Baltimore. The Ravens were thought of as being the Chiefs biggest threat in the AFC. It certainly doesn’t look like it.
Keys for the Raiders:
No Turnovers
This can be a key every week but it’s especially important against Kansas City. The Chiefs’ offense is too potent to give them extra possessions especially on a short field.
Score touchdowns not field goals
The Raiders offense has been better than advertised. No longer is anyone talking about Derek Carr losing his job. Carr has thrown for eight touchdowns and no interceptions while post a Quarterback Rating of 113.6.
Equally as important is Josh Jacobs. As long as the Raiders can stay on schedule on second down, they can eat up the clock. Keeping the Chiefs offense off the field is the responsibility of the Raiders offense.
Third Down Conversion
The Raiders are second in the NFL in 3rd down conversions. They will need to convert more than their 52.9% average if they won’t to throttle back Kansas City’s offense. That might be difficult as the Chiefs defense has been very good this season. It starts with what the Raiders do on first down. Limiting 3rd and more than four yards is critical.
