Oakland Raiders 2015 Schedule: Predicting The Team’s Wins and Losses

Dec 21, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) rushes the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward (97) defends during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 20-12. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Week 13: Kansas City Chiefs (2014 Record: 9-7)

The addition of Jeremy Maclin was something of a coup for Andy Reid, but it’s also a curious move as well. Chiefs’ QB Alex Smith isn’t one known to sling the ball all over the field. He most certainly isn’t know for taking shots deep. He’s a nickel and dime type passer, who prefers to keep his throws to 20 yards or less – which helps explain why Kansas City got a perfect zero touchdowns from their wideouts in 2014. So the question now becomes, will Smith be able to utilize Maclin’s skill set to its full advantage? History says no.

But perhaps the biggest blow to Kansas City this offseason was the departure of center Rodney Hudson – the anchor of the offensive line who is now wearing Silver and Black. There is absolutely no question that Hudson’s absence is going to impact not just Smith, but star running back Jamaal Charles as well.

How much of an impact will it have? We’ll have to wait and see. But given the fact that Charles is what makes the Chiefs offense go, not having a rock like Hudson helping open holes in the defensive front, it might be fairly significant.

Given the fact that Kansas City’s defense ranked second only to Seattle in passing yards per game, the Raiders must get on track and punish a Chiefs’ rushing defense that ranked 27th in the league, giving up more than 127 yards per game. If they can establish the ground game, Carr might find some room to get the passing attack going as well.

It’s going to be a close, divisional game, but the edge goes to the home team.

Prediction: WIN

Raiders 24; Chiefs 21

Record: 9-3

Next: Week Fourteen: Denver Broncos