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Oakland Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs

by Kris Lazaro

11/23/07

The 4-6 Kansas City Chiefs host the 2-8 Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Field this Sunday in an NFC West divisional rivalry game. Kansas City has already beaten Oakland earlier in the season 12-10 at Oakland. This rematch should favor the struggling Raiders, but according to this author, this game has a weird feeling to it.

Oakland 34.5
Kansas City -4.5

The Chiefs are usually a good bet at home, but in recent games they have proven that they cannot be trusted. They are a mediocre 5-4-1 against the spread and 4-6 straight up, while only being 2-3 at home. Both running backs Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson are not expected to play this Sunday due to injury. Adding to this list is Damon Huard, the Chiefs’ chief quarterback. Brody Croyle will be under center for this Sunday’s tilt, a situation that does not bode well for Kansas City. Croyle does not have much game experience and even though he will be facing a questionable defense in the Raiders, he will have to prove himself before this author will be able to trust him.

The Raiders are a miserable 2-8 on the season, 3-7 against the number, and 1-4 straight up away from Oakland. Oakland has certainly been following the script which has been occurring for the past few seasons for the Raiders—mainly, losing, and losing badly. This Sunday, though, could be an opportunity for the Raiders to finally break out of their slump. They last played Kansas City last month and actually held them to a mere 4 field goals and no touchdowns; unfortunately, the Raider offense could not support its defense as it lost the game 12-10. This Sunday could represent redemption for the Raiders if it is able to confuse quarterback Brody Croyle and force him to make bad decision.

The author recommends taking the Raiders at no less than a spread of +5.

Game prediction: 17-14 Raiders.