The Kansas City Chiefs' 13-7 triumph over Green Bay last week gave them back-to-back victories for the first time since their 10-game winning streak from Weeks 6 through 16 last season. Kansas City, which ranks seventh in the NFL in total offense (393.3 yards), was not at its best on that side of the ball, however, as it was out-gained 122-77 on the ground and 301-237 overall. The Chiefs (5-4) seek a better performance as they visit the Las Vegas Raiders (5-3) on Sunday Night Football.
Kickoff from Allegiant Stadium is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET. Kansas City is a 2.5-point favorite in the latest Raiders vs. Chiefs odds from Caesars Sportsbook, while the over-under for total points scored is 52.5. Before locking in any Chiefs vs. Raiders picks or NFL predictions, make sure you see what SportsLine expert Larry Hartstein has to say.
A former lead writer for Covers and The Linemakers, Hartstein combines a vast network of Vegas sources with an analytical approach he honed while working for Pro Football Focus. Entering the 2021 campaign, Hartstein was 351-291 all-time on NFL sides, returning more than $2,200 for $100 bettors.
In addition, Hartstein is an expert on the Chiefs. He is a blistering 19-6 in his last 25 against-the-spread picks involving Kansas City, returning more than $1,200 for $100 bettors. Anyone who has followed him is way up.
Now, Hartstein has locked in on Chiefs vs. Raiders from every angle and released a confident against-the-spread pick. You can visit SportsLine now to see it. Here are several NFL lines and trends for Raiders vs. Chiefs:
- Raiders vs. Chiefs spread: Kansas City -2.5
- Raiders vs. Chiefs over-under: 52.5 points
- Raiders vs. Chiefs money line: Kansas City -145, Las Vegas +125
- KC: The Chiefs are 0-6 against the spread this season versus teams over .500
- LV: The Raiders are 5-1 ATS in their last six games as underdogs
Why the Chiefs can cover
Kansas City ranks sixth in the NFL in passing offense with an average of 281 yards per game, while Patrick Mahomes is fourth with 2,534 through nine contests. The former MVP's top target is Tyreek Hill, who leads the Chiefs in receptions (68) and touchdown catches (six) while ranking fifth in the league with 772 receiving yards. Travis Kelce is another of Mahomes' favorites as he has hauled in 54 passes for 628 yards and five TDs.
The Chiefs are 26th in the league in total defense (381.4 yards) but have done better in preventing points after a rough start to 2021. Kansas City had an NFL-worst average of 32.6 points allowed over its first five games of the year but have given up 16 points per contest over the last four. The defense did an excellent job against Green Bay on third down last week, allowing the Packers to convert only two of their 12 attempts.
Why the Raiders can cover
Las Vegas has been one of the NFL's top offensive teams this season, ranking sixth in total offense (394.5 yards) and second in passing (305.1). Despite dropping a 23-16 decision at the New York Giants last week, the Raiders had a 403-247 advantage in total yards and a 286-98 edge through the air. Derek Carr finished just four yards shy of his sixth 300-yard performance of the year as he completed 30 of his 46 pass attempts.
Carr, who is third in the league with 2,565 passing yards, had one of his favorite targets back in the fold last week. Tight end Darren Waller, who missed Las Vegas' previous game with an ankle injury, returned to gain 92 yards on seven catches, his highest total since making 10 in the season opener against Baltimore. The 29-year-old is second on the Raiders with 40 receptions and leads the club with 470 yards.
How to make Raiders vs. Chiefs picks
For Sunday Night Football, Hartstein is leaning under the total, but he also says a critical X-factor makes one side of the spread a must-back. He's only sharing who it is, and which side to back, at SportsLine.
So who wins Chiefs vs. Raiders on Sunday Night Football? And what critical X-factor makes one side of the spread a must-back? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Raiders vs. Chiefs spread you should jump on, all from the NFL expert who's an amazing 19-6 on picks involving Kansas City.
