The Las Vegas Raiders will face their division rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs, on October 27, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium. This highly anticipated matchup is crucial for both teams, with the Chiefs looking to maintain their undefeated streak and the Raiders hoping to turn their season around. As the game approaches, let’s delve into four big questions facing the Las Vegas Raiders and examine the context surrounding this AFC West showdown.
According to AskGamblers sports betting, the Chiefs enter the game as heavy favorites, with the betting line set at Kansas City -10 and an over/under of 41.5 points. This reflects the stark contrast in the teams’ performances this season, with the Chiefs boasting a perfect 6-0 record while the Raiders struggle at 2-5. The game is scheduled for 4:25 PM EDT and will be broadcast on CBS, promising to highlight the NFL’s Week 8 slate.
Four Big Questions Facing the Las Vegas Raiders
1. Will there be more trades before the November 5 deadline?
The Raiders have already made waves in the trade market by sending star wide receiver Davante Adams to the New York Jets, sparking speculation about potential further trades. While defensive end Maxx Crosby is likely to stay put due to his commitment to the team, other players could be on the move.
Potential trade candidates include linebacker Robert Spillane, safety Tre’von Moehrig, and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers. Spillane and Moehrig are approaching free agency, which might motivate the Raiders to seek value for them now. Despite being under contract for 2025, Meyers could fetch a good return, given the league-wide injuries at the wide receiver position.
Is Antonio Pierce the right head coach for the Raiders?
Hiring Antonio Pierce as head coach has been a contention among Raiders fans. While some supporters rallied behind Pierce after a few significant moments, others questioned whether the organization hastily retained him beyond his interim status.
Pierce’s tenure has been marked by questionable game management decisions and controversial comments, including his “business decisions” remark. These missteps have placed him on the hot seat, with fan opinion divided on his future. While he may get another year to prove himself, his performance for the remainder of the season will be crucial in determining his long-term prospects with the team.
What’s the plan to improve the roster after this season?
After their “all-in” strategy of acquiring high-profile players like Davante Adams and Chandler Jones failed to close the gap with the Chiefs, the Raiders appear to be shifting their focus. The upcoming offseason will likely prioritize the NFL Draft, mainly focusing on finding a franchise quarterback.
The team’s recent experiences have highlighted the challenges of securing a top-tier quarterback through free agency. As a result, the Raiders are expected to concentrate on getting younger and building through the draft rather than pursuing big-name free agents or veterans via trades.
4. Can the Raiders rise to the occasion against the Chiefs?
While the Raiders-Chiefs rivalry typically brings out extra motivation in both teams, the talent disparity presents a significant challenge for Las Vegas. The Chiefs will be eager to avenge their last loss, adding another layer of intensity to the matchup, while the Raiders will be coming off a disappointing loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
For the Raiders to have any chance at an upset, quarterback Gardner Minshew must elevate his game to that of a competent NFL starter. However, Minshew’s performances this season have been underwhelming, with his turnovers directly contributing to the team’s struggles. In last week’s game alone, three of his four turnovers led to all 20 of the Rams’ points.
These questions loom large as the Raiders prepare to face the undefeated Chiefs. The answers will not only impact the outcome of this game but could also shape the franchise’s direction for the remainder of the season and beyond. While the odds are stacked against them, the unpredictable nature of divisional rivalries means that a shocking upset cannot be entirely ruled out.
