Chiefs survive Raiders’ late-game fumble to clinch playoffs

Chiefs Clinch Playoff Spot After Raiders’ Late-Game Meltdown

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs punched their ticket to the playoffs in dramatic fashion on Black Friday, edging out the Las Vegas Raiders 19-17 in a game that had fans on the edge of their seats until the final seconds. The defending Super Bowl champions secured their postseason berth, but not without a few heart-stopping moments along the way.

It wasn’t the prettiest win for the Chiefs, who saw a comfortable 13-point lead in the third quarter dwindle to just two points by the fourth. The Raiders, sitting at the bottom of the standings, were on the verge of pulling off a shocking upset. With just 14 seconds left on the clock, they had maneuvered into field-goal range, poised to steal the game. But a costly illegal shift penalty followed by a botched snap sealed their fate, handing the Chiefs the victory and leaving Raiders fans in disbelief.

What’s Next for the Chiefs?

With their playoff spot secured, the Chiefs now set their sights on a ninth consecutive AFC West division title. They can clinch the division as early as next Sunday night with a win over the Los Angeles Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium. At 11-1, Kansas City also leads the race for the AFC’s coveted No. 1 playoff seed, a position that would grant them a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Key Takeaways from the Game

• Describe the game in two words: Pacheco’s back. Running back Isiah Pacheco made his return after breaking his leg in Week 2. He made an immediate impact, breaking off a 34-yard run during a third-quarter drive that ended in a field goal.
• Promising trend: The Chiefs’ pass rush came alive after a quiet couple of weeks. They sacked Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell three times, with Chris Jones accounting for two of those sacks. Jones hadn’t recorded a sack since Week 4, so his resurgence is a welcome sight for Kansas City.
• Eye-popping stat: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes delivered a jaw-dropping touchdown pass to Justin Watson in the second quarter. According to Next Gen Stats, the pass had just a 26.6% completion probability, making it Mahomes’ most improbable touchdown throw since 2021.

Prediction for next week: Cornerback Josh Williams will likely remain in the starting lineup. He replaced Nazeeh Johnson in the second quarter after Johnson gave up a big play. Williams’ performance was a noticeable improvement, and the Chiefs will likely stick with him against the Chargers.

Raiders: A Tale of Missed Opportunities

For the Las Vegas Raiders, this game was a microcosm of their season. Head coach Antonio Pierce didn’t mince words before the game, calling it a matchup between “the best team in football against the worst team in football.” While the Raiders didn’t look like the league’s worst team for much of the game, their late-game collapse was a painful reminder of their struggles.

Despite the loss, there were some bright spots for Las Vegas. They managed to rush for 116 yards against the Chiefs’ No. 3-ranked rush defense, a significant improvement for a team that entered the game with the NFL’s worst rushing attack, averaging just 74.6 yards per game.

Surprises and Setbacks

• Most surprising performance: Kicker Daniel Carlson had an uncharacteristically rough outing, missing three field goals from 56, 55, and 58 yards. Carlson had made 18 straight field goals before this game, making his struggles all the more surprising.
• Pivotal play: With 14 seconds left and the Raiders in position for a game-winning field goal, O’Connell wasn’t ready for the snap from Jackson Powers-Johnson. The ball bounced off his chest and was recovered by Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton, ending the game in heartbreaking fashion for Las Vegas.

Prediction for next week: Expect the Raiders to lean into their vertical passing game against the Buccaneers. With O’Connell back under center, his ability to throw deep could lead to more big plays, especially with speedy receiver Tre Tucker, who hauled in a 58-yard touchdown against the Chiefs.

Looking Ahead

The Chiefs will host the Chargers next Sunday night in a game that could lock up the AFC West title. Meanwhile, the Raiders will travel to Tampa Bay to face the Buccaneers, hoping to build on their improved rushing attack and avoid another late-game disaster.