NFL preview: AFC West Division bragging rights up for grabs as the Oakland Raiders host the Kansas City Chiefs
When the season began, few would have expected that a week 9 matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Oakland Raiders would be a meeting of the top two teams in the AFC West. But such is the case
as the two teams get set to go head-to-head on Sunday, 7 November, with potential play-off tie-break implications at stake.
Previous meetings and recent games
Since 2001 the Chiefs and Raiders have met 18 times, with the Chiefs holding the edge 12-6. However, they've split their two games each of the last three seasons. Oddly enough, the away team in this matchup
has won each of the last seven times, with the last home victory going to the Chiefs all the way back on November 19, 2006.
Coming into the game the Chiefs are currently tops in the division with a record of 5-2. But since starting the season with three straight wins, the Chiefs have gone 2-2. They also needed a field goal
with no time left on the clock to beat the lowly Buffalo Bills last Sunday, a sign that they're not exactly winning any games in convincing fashion.
On the other hand, the Raiders have begun to startle opponents with dominating performances. Since losing to the 49ers on week 6 when they could only manage a single touchdown, the Raiders have scored
92 points in their last two games.
How they matchup
This game marks a meeting of the NFL's top two rushing offences which should give everyone an indication of how to expect the game will be played.
The Chiefs have one of the best one-two punches in the NFL with Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles, while Darren McFadden does the lion's share of the running for the Raiders with Michael Bush taking care
of most of the short yardage situations.
The tie-break could be at quarterback where, for the Raiders, Bruce Gradkowski is still considered by many to be the team's number one, but Jason Campbell has been carrying the load recently and has been
effective doing so. Campbell is expected to get the start on Sunday.
For the Chiefs, it all comes down to Matt Cassel. Cassel, who made a name for himself with New England in 2008 when he replaced the injured Tom Brady, has been an unexpected source of consistency for the
Chiefs. After a disappointing first season with the team, which saw him throw 16 interceptions, Cassel hasn't put up awe-inspiring numbers, but has been effective holding onto the ball and helping the team moves the sticks. It's not always the most exciting
brand of football, but it fits well into the Chiefs system and has been effective to this point.
What to expect
Although both teams have stellar run offences, the Chiefs have been far more effective stopping the run. The Raiders have a good deal of momentum going into the game and are riding high on confidence after
two big wins. One win behind KC, and with the San Diego Chargers creeping up the AFC West standings, the Raiders probably have more to play for.
The game is taking place at Oakland Colisseum, but given each team's recent record against each other at home, that advantage gets wiped out.
Flip a coin.
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