Raiders-Chiefs Week 13: 5 things to watch

Keys to a Black Friday upset

The Las Vegas Raiders play at the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday at Noon PT. Here are some keys to an upset win:

No turnovers:

The Raiders have a minus-17 turnover differential this season. It’s the worst in the NFL. They can’t help the two-time defending Super Bowl champions in their house. The Chiefs are masters of figuring out wo to win. The Raiders can’t help the cause. They must protect the ball.

Get to Mahomes:

The Raiders won at Arrowhead last season because they made life hell for Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The Carolina Panthers stayed in the game last week by harassing Mahomes. The Chiefs’ line has been spotty. Las Vegas, which sacked Mahomes just once in a 27-20 Week 8 home loss to the Chiefs, must make Mahomes uncomfortable to have a chance.

Cover Kelce:

Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce is a Raiders; killer. He was his typical self in Week 8 when he had 10 catches for 90 yards and a touchdown. The Chiefs will try to duplicate that production Friday. The Raiders need to keep Kelce in check.

Run the ball:

The Raiders can never run the ball much to the chagrin of coach Antonio Pierce. if they are going to win this game, they must find a way to produce on the ground and kill some clock to keep Mahomes off the field. They won in Kansas City last year in part because Zamir White had 145 yards on the ground. They need to get yardage on the ground.

Play loose:

Pierce essentially won the head-coaching gig because the way the Raiders played at Arrowhead on Christmas. They need to do it again. A win wouldn’t save the Raiders’ season, but ending a seven-game losing streak against the hated Chiefs would be a season highlight. The Raiders need to just go for it.