Kansas City Chiefs-Oakland Raiders: Are the Raiders for Real?

Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders

Sunday November 7, 2010, 4:15 EST PM

Line: Kansas City +3

 

Overview

It’s been a while, but the rivalry between the Chiefs and Raiders is finally restored to it’s fullest.

Both teams are competing for their share of a division title. The Chiefs sit at 5-2, while the Raiders are 4-4. The Raiders have won three of their last four, making them one of the hottest teams in the league right now.

The Raiders would love to go into their bye week after beating their division rival, so this is a huge game for them to showcase their skills against a formidable opponent. There are some rivalries that make sports better. When both teams are competitive, as both teams are, this is one of the best rivalries in all of football.

 

Keys to the Game

Darren McFadden is what makes the Raiders go from average to good. Michael Bush filled in nicely while he was injured, but McFadden’s impact on the Raiders has been astounding. McFadden has rushed for 95 yards or more in every full game he has played.

Despite being sidelined with an injury for two full games and part of another, he has still racked up 668 yards this season. He is running the ball at will, but will face a challenge on Sunday, as the Chiefs are stout against the run. The Chiefs run defense is much better than their pass defense, so the Raiders may want to come out throwing the ball.

While McFadden is phenomenal, the Raiders have looked decent in the passing game. The Chiefs are likely to load up the box on McFadden, so the Raiders might be best-suited to come out throwing the ball. Jason Campbell has thrown for four touchdowns, zero interceptions and 514 yards in his last two games.

Teams see the run threat and are daring Campbell to throw the ball. Campbell has obliged, leading the Raiders to b...

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