Published Jan 2, 10:59pm ET by
Keith McCarthy - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Jan 2, 10:59pm ET
Updated Jan 2, 11:02pm ET
The Chiefs and Raiders meet this week in a clash between eliminated AFC West teams. Las Vegas is in full tank mode and is actively trying to lose each week, giving Kansas City a notable advantage.
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| Las Vegas Raiders | -5.5 (-105) |
| Kansas City Chiefs | +5.5 (-105) |
The Chiefs have little to play for in this Week 18 game, having been eliminated from playoff contention. The losses continued last week against the Broncos, as the Chiefs earned their 10th defeat, their first double-digit loss total since 2012. It's also the first season with more than 7 losses in Andy Reid's 13 seasons with the Chiefs, including the per-Mahomes era. He'll be tasked with figuring out everything that went wrong this offseason.
First NFL passing TD π€ first NFL receiving TD@1Chrisoladokun0 x @BrashardS pic.twitter.com/K9RLxhh4vZ
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 26, 2025
The Raiders went full-tank last week against the Giants, holding out key players such as Maxx Crosby and Brock Bowers as they focused on earning the #1 overall spot in the 2026 NFL Draft. If they manage to lose this game, the Raiders seem certain to select Heisman winning QB Fernando Mendoza. An offense led by Mendoza, Jeanty, and Bowers would have them moving quickly in the right direction. They need to lose here.
ππΌπ°πΈed in π#NYGvsLV | πΊ CBS pic.twitter.com/r1JEQutYSW
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) December 28, 2025
Neither team has much to gain from winning this game, but the Raiders have much more to lose. I would typically say that they won't actively aim to lose but ultimately will, but the Raiders showed last week they are quite literally aiming to lose. The tank is on and the Raiders are certain to lose this game. The question is whether or not the Chiefs have enough juice to cover the spread. I see them doing just that in an easy win.
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Pick
Kansas City Chiefs -5.5
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