The Kansas City Chiefs will take the field for the final time this season when they face the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium this afternoon.
2025 was a difficult year for the Chiefs. After losing in Super Bowl LIX, Kansas City attempted to retool its roster in the offseason. But despite their best efforts, the Chiefs found themselves eliminated from playoff contention after a midseason collapse.
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Now 6-10, Kansas City will have a chance to end its disastrous 2025 campaign on a high note against a bitter rival.
Check out our staff predictions for the Chiefs’ Week 18 matchup against the Raiders:
Ed Easton Jr.’s prediction
Nov 1, 1970; Kansas City, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Len Dawson (16) passes the ball as Oakland Raiders linebacker Gus Otto (34) and lineman Tony Cline (84) apply pressure at Municipal Stadium. The teams played to a 17-17 tie. Mandatory Credit: Rod Hanna-USA TODAY Sports
The 2025 season officially comes to an end in Week 18 as the Kansas City Chiefs attempt to get back in the win column.
The offense will primarily focus on Travis Kelce, who could be playing in his final NFL game. Chris Oladokun will produce better results after a full week of practice, as he hopes to raise his stock for next season. The Chiefs’ running backs will be closely watched as Dameon Pierce is expected to make his team debut.
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The defense should continue to play well as young players gain experience. The unit has performed well during the late-season losing streak. Every rep is necessary to build for the offseason into the 2026 campaign.
Final score: Chiefs 13, Raiders 10
Jon Ediger’s prediction
Dec 12, 1970; Oakland, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Oakland Raiders quarterback Daryle Lamonica (3) is pressured by Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Buck Buchanan (86) at the Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Dick Raphael-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City will finally finish its rollercoaster season on Sunday before a long and much-needed offseason break.
Frankly, there’s no way to tell how Sunday’s game will play out. The Chiefs are down to backups and third-stringers as head coach Andy Reid looks to avoid injuries ahead of the offseason. Quarterback Chris Oladokun was serviceable in last week’s loss to the Denver Broncos, but with several offensive stars on Kansas City’s injury report in Week 18, a high-scoring game is likely out of the question. Still, expect a big game from tight end Travis Kelce as he potentially takes the field for the final time.
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Quarterback Bo Nix tore the Chiefs’ defense apart in Week 17, when he threw for 182 yards and a touchdown. It is still unknown who the Raiders will have under center on Sunday, though it will likely be backup quarterback Kenny Pickett. Pickett may not be as threatening as Nix, but the former Pittsburgh Steeler is still good for the occasional legacy game. With no real incentives on the line, Kansas City’s defense will most likely fail to stop the veteran backup.
Final score: Chiefs 21, Raiders 23
John Dillon’s prediction
Nov 25, 1990; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Bo Jackson of the Los Angeles Raiders in action against the Kansas City Chiefs at the Los Angeles Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Photo By USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City has every incentive to lose this game. Draft position is all that matters at this point, and while a meaningless win would make the Chiefs’ disastrous 2025 campaign look a little better on paper, a 6-11 record could help Kansas City maximize the trappings of its failure in April.
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Down to their third-string quarterback, the Chiefs would almost certainly be considered underdogs against any other opponent. Only the lowly Raiders could make this Kansas City team look competent.
Final score: Chiefs 12, Raiders 8
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs vs. Raiders: 3 predictions for AFC West showdown in Week 18