Old Narratives Regarding Raiders Rivalry Repeat

The narratives about this rivalry feel boring, but maybe that's because the Las Vegas Raiders being awful keeps the narrative the same. Most of the stats don't suggest they should be awful. The presumed upgrades at head coach and quarterback should definitely make them less awful. Still, there they are at 2-4 with a -48 point differential. They just beat the woeful Tennessee Titans last week, which is their first and only win since beating the New England Patriots 20-13 in Week 1.

Does all this make today's game one of the notorious "trap games" on the Chiefs schedule? I think it does, but just enough to ensure that KC did not take things lightly this week. I also think the psychological side of the game matters more when both teams are objectively good. While the Chiefs are finally bringing together the imposing receiver trio of Xavier Worthy, Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown, the Raiders are struggling to move the ball without constantly giving it to their opponent. Only three teams in the NFL have a turnover differential worse than Las Vegas' -4.

The idea that this is the time when KC may let off the gas and potentially lose a stinker also makes this game the perfect time for KC to make a point by dominating a divisional rival. The Raiders continue to be less than the sum of their parts, and the stats back that up consistently. Despite ranking 11th league-wide in total yards allowed, they rank 23rd in points allowed. Despite upgrading at quarterback and drafting a prodigious running back in the first round, only the Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans have scored fewer points per game. I know 12.5 points is a big, big spread, but I think it's getting worse than that. I'm predicting a 37-17 victory for Kansas City.