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Chiefs-Raiders preview: Raiders face draft-position stakes in season finale
Summary
Las Vegas can clinch the top overall draft pick with a loss to Kansas City in the regular-season finale, and Andy Reid has announced he will return as Chiefs coach next season.
Content
A season-ending game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders carries notable consequences for both clubs. Las Vegas enters 2-14 and is positioned to secure the top pick in next year's draft. Kansas City is 6-10 and coach Andy Reid said he plans to return next season. Several player injuries and lineup changes add context to the matchup.
Key facts:
- Las Vegas is 2-14 with a 10-game losing streak and is in position for the No. 1 overall draft pick; a loss would clinch it, and the team is guaranteed at least the No. 2 pick.
- The Chiefs are 6-10; coach Andy Reid announced he will return next season and the team holds a top-15 draft pick to use in the offseason.
- Patrick Mahomes and former Raider Gardner Minshew are out with torn knee ligaments, and Chiefs backup Chris Oladokun is expected to make his second NFL start after going 13 of 22 for 66 yards and a touchdown last week.
- Raiders quarterback Geno Smith is likely to miss the game with an ankle injury; Kenny Pickett is listed to start and Aidan O'Connell could play as well.
- Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby briefly left the facility frustrated after being shut down but returned and is looking ahead to upcoming knee surgery.
- The Chiefs expect to start Esa Pole, Kingsley Suamataia, Creed Humphrey, Mike Caliendo and Chu Godrick along the offensive line, and injuries to their usual starters have contributed to 35 games missed this season.
Summary:
The game's outcome will influence early offseason draft positioning and could shape personnel decisions in Las Vegas following a long losing stretch. Andy Reid's return was confirmed and the Chiefs are looking toward next season while managing injuries to key players. Several player recoveries and roster moves will play into each team's offseason planning.
