In their final game of the year, the Las Vegas Raiders host the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs will start fast because they need to win to get the number one seed in the AFC. And in order to keep up with the Chiefs’ dynamic offense, the Raiders’ offense will need to match their pace. Consequently, let’s analyze the final three X-factors for the Raiders’ offense versus the Chiefs. There are definitely some questions that will need to be answered by this offense. Can Jarrett Stidham build off of last week’s performance? What about Josh Jacobs and Davante Adams?
Chiefs vs. Raiders: QB Jarrett Stidham
The Raiders offense didn’t miss a beat last week thanks to the one and only Jarrett Stidham’s efforts. In actuality, they appeared better than they had in weeks. This week, Stidham will make his second start, this time against the Chiefs, a division opponent. It will be challenging for him to keep up with Patrick Mahomes, but he can manage it. This week he won’t be playing against the league’s top defense.
Stidham’s ability to prolong plays outside of the pocket caught the 49ers off guard, and he’ll need to play that way against the Chiefs. Things will be harder since, unlike the 49ers, the Chiefs have film of him. However, the Raiders will have a shot if he plays as though he has nothing to lose and keeps making plays. Given that the outcome of this game might determine Stidham’s future as an NFL quarterback, he must be playing with increased motivation. The Raiders and other clubs might consider him their starting quarterback for the 2023 campaign if he can go into Kansas City and defeat the Chiefs.
Chiefs vs. Raiders: WR Davante AdamsÂ
Davante Adams will conclude the year on our list of offensive X-factors, as it seems he is always there. And he is because Adams is the Raiders’ main offensive weapon. He served as a reminder to everyone last week that he is still the best wide receiver in the NFL by shredding the league’s best defense. He now has the opportunity to make Raiders history against the Chiefs, a team they despise. Adams needs two more touchdowns to tie the Raiders’ single-season receiving touchdown record. And breaking it against the Chiefs would be the ideal way to do it.
Last week, Adams and Stidham appeared to be on the same page, and this week, they must do the same against the Chiefs. The Raiders’ offense becomes more effective the more Adams is given the ball. Josh McDaniels, did you hear that? Adams has vowed to stay with your team, so this week, he’ll set the receiving touchdown record, book it.
Chiefs vs. Raiders: Josh Jacobs
Our final x-factor is Josh Jacobs, and we’re hoping he’ll be back next year. How wonderful a season it has been, though, if this is the last ride. The Raiders’ single-season running record can be broken by Jacobs against the Chiefs. Jacobs is 151 yards shy of Marcus Allen’s record. Jacobs carried for 154 yards the last time they faced the Chiefs. So, it’s undoubtedly a possibility. Then why not go out on a high note if you’re Jacobs? But it depends on his state of health and whether the Raiders’ offensive line can maintain its blocks. According to StatMuse, Jacobs has never rushed for more than 100 yards against the Chiefs at home. Something must budge, and let’s hope that No. 28 performs one last miracle.
*Top Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images