The Oakland Raiders have their biggest game of the season so far Thursday night as they travel to take on the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.
The Raiders currently hold a one-game lead over the Chiefs in the AFC West with four games remaining in the regular season, but the Chiefs beat the Raiders earlier this season so if they beat them again and sweep the season series then the tiebreaker for the division championship will go to the Chiefs.
Quarterback Derek Carr and the Raiders offense will have their hands full with the Chiefs defense, who lead the NFL with 25 takeaways.
To make matters worse, it appears that weather is going to play a factor as game-time temperatures will be around 20 degrees, and the field at Arrowhead Stadium will be frozen, via Courtney Fallon of NFL Network:
Just spoke to #Chiefs grounds crew. Heaters were installed underneath Arrowhead turf in April, but an ice layer froze under tarp overnight. pic.twitter.com/aXhnE8MlLa
— Courtney Fallon (@CourtneyFallon_) December 8, 2016
Carr has struggled a bit on the road in cold weather in his career, as in three road games when the temperature has been below 50 degrees Carr has failed to throw for 200 yards in each of them, while completing just 52 percent of his passes.
One of those games was in Kansas City last season, when Carr was 21-of-33 for 194 yards with a touchdown and an interception in a 23-17 loss.
Carr’s game has reach a new level this season though, as he is one of the top candidates for the NFL MVP award. A win on the road in Kansas City that helps clinch a division title and first round bye could help solidify Carr’s MVP resume.
