NFL Week 12 - Chiefs vs. Raiders Betting Odds Preview

Two teams that are traditionally rivals but are having two completely different type of seasons face off in Oakland on Thursday Night Football. The Raiders have been either the worst team or amongst the worst teams in the NFL since they went to the SuperBowl with Jon Gruden many years ago. They have been the worst team in the league this season coming into week 12 with a 0-10 record and while they have played better defensively lately they have one of the worst offenses in football. They managed only 2 field goals in last week’s 13-6 loss to the Chargers. They kept the game close throughout and unlike Raiders teams of the past they appear to be competing although the results that they would like have yet to occur. They had a drive that got to the Chargers 7 yard line, however they were unable to put the ball in the end zone and they settled for a field goal. They were able to get the ball back, however a last second heave landed incomplete and the disaster of a season continued. The team had an incredibly low 12 carries by running backs Latavious Murray and Darren McFadden. This was especially odd in a game that was a defensive/low scoring contest. Rookie quarterback Derek Carr went 16-34 for 172 yards and was not sacked. The Chiefs started the season 0-2, however unlike in many other cities there was no panic. The Chiefs fan base is one of the strongest in the NFL and this team has rewarded their faith by only losing once since week 2. The fact is the Chiefs have Jamal Charles and oftentimes that is enough. Charles ran the ball 20 times for 159 yards and two touchdowns in last weeks big 24-20 win over the defending Superbowl champion Seahawks. The defense came up huge in the fourth quarter with two big Fourth downs stops to secure the win. Quarterback Alex Smith had pedestrian number of 11/16 for 108 yards, all he did was manage the game and make the throws when needed.

The Chiefs are going for their 6th consecutive win and are as hot as any team in the league. Statistically there is no way they can lose the game, however games are not played on paper. Charles has 692 rushing yards on the season, which is 60 more that the entire Raiders team has on the season. However against an old rival they had better not look past Oakland this week.

The Raiders have been getting better play from the rookie Carr as of late and he may have a chance to succeed against a Chief defense that is not particularly aggressive and does not blitz as often as other teams. Look for Murray to get more carries, as he was impressive last week. This team does compete on every down; so do not be shocked if they are able to get their first win of the season this week.