The Week 5 matchup of the NFL season between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders will be must-watch television. So many subplots to this game, can Derek Carr finally win in Arrowhead? Will the Raiders defense finally show up? Will quarterback Patrick Mahomes carve up the Silver and Black?
Here at the Raider Ramble, we are presenting a panel of our contributors for a weekly prediction. Let’s see what everyone had to say for this Sunday’s game.
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Ben Cogan, @3y3lga3
I’m going fanatic here because there is no higher rivalry, in my opinion than the Chiefs in Arrowhead and it’s not going to be the same loud stadium breaking records. Beyond that, I feel any given Sunday is still relevant and the Raiders tend to play to their opponent’s level. The self-inflicted wounds are too much though, if they can get out of their own way, they will win. Raiders 27, Chiefs 20
Mario Tovar, _MarioTovar
There’s no way to really sugar coat this Raider Nation, it will be an ugly one. Until Derek Carr can prove he can deliver in Arrowhead, I will have to hold off on having hope for this squad. The Raiders will not be able to stop the Chiefs offense unless Mahomes doesn’t play or all of a sudden Kansas City’s weapons go down. That said, I fully expect number ‘4’ to continue padding his numbers once the game is out of the hand. Expect to hear about how great Carr did on Monday, Raider Nation. Chiefs 35, Raiders 21
Ryan Smith, RyFitHere
The Raiders are in desperate need of a change at defensive coordinator. Everyone’s seen the screenshot of last week’s game where the Buffalo Bills had four different touchdown options available. This week, they face up against a Chiefs offense that doesn’t need any help getting guys open, and if they play like that, it doesn’t matter how well Derek Carr does or doesn’t play in Arrowhead. Chiefs 38, Raiders 20
Holden Mayberry, @HMAYBERRY8
Carr and Ruggs connect for their first long TD together. Carr plays his best game in Arrowhead, not that that means much. However, Patty Mahomes and company are too much. Chiefs 38, Raiders 34
Christopher Engelage, @SportsWithChris
Sorry, I hate to be the pessimist. You thought the last two weeks were bad for Raider Nation on Twitter? Oh boy, I see the losing streak extending to three after the Chiefs dismantle the Raiders, 31-10 on Sunday. The good news is the final ten games on the schedule are far more favorable than this current stretch. Looking at the glass half full, a wild card finish isn’t out of the question. However, looking at the glass half empty, after the bye week following the Chiefs game, the Raiders will look forward to seeing Tom Brady and the Bucs prior to the schedule easing up. Brace your twitter fingers, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
Carlos Sanchez, @HaeruHariken
What’s up, Raider Nation? Thanks for reading all our content, we really strive to bring you something you will like. Regarding the Chiefs, head coach Jon Gruden will somehow make the game competitive for one quarter, maybe even the first half. However, Kansas City is going to then unleash hell on the Raiders defense.
The only way I see the Silver and Black coming out of Arrowhead with a ‘W’ is if quarterback Derek Carr plays like the elite players some in Raider Nation believe he is. The Raiders have some talented players but they aren’t currently very good. The faster you assimilate it, the happier your Sunday afternoons will be.
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*Top Photo: Associated Press/Ed Zurga