It’s an AFC West matchup on Black Friday as the Raiders visit the defending champion Chiefs. Kansas City is favored by 13 points, with the over/under set at 42.5 points.
While the 2-9 Raiders don’t have much to play for, a rivalry game tends to bring out the best in both teams regardless of record. On the other sideline, Patrick Mahomes and company will look to sweep the Silver and Black for the third time in four years. Here are three player props worth backing this Friday.
Aidan O’Connell pass yards over 212.5 (-115)
After Gardner Minshew II’s season-ending injury on Sunday, the Raiders will once again turn to Aidan O’Connell at quarterback. The second-year pro had some solid outings at the end of last season, but he’s been lackluster in limited action so far. Through two games as a starter, AOC has gained just 321 passing yards.
However, Friday’s game should see the Raiders throwing early and often. Going up against an offensive juggernaut like Kansas City, head coach Antonio Pierce will have no choice but to lean on his young QB. While the team went run-heavy in their upset win at Arrowhead last Christmas, O’Connell did throw the ball 33 times for 248 yards against the Chiefs last November. With starting running back Zamir White out and backup Alexander Mattison questionable to play, Las Vegas should lean on its passing game in this one.
Patrick Mahomes over 17.5 rushing yards (-110)
While the Kansas City offense has plenty of firepower, Andy Reid’s crew has been committed to the ground game. This season, the Chiefs are ninth in the NFL in rush attempts per game (28.6), even with starting running back Isiah Pacheco out of action since Week 2. Everyone thinks of Patrick Mahomes as a gunslinger, but he doesn’t get enough credit for his scrambling ability. The two-time MVP has run for 227 yards this season, using his leg to gain positive yardage even on broken plays.
Over his last six matchups vs. the Raiders, Mahomes has gone over 17 rushing yards four times. Given the massive edge KC appears to have going into this one, it makes more sense to back the future Hall of Famer’s legs than it does his arm. Expect Pat to find his spots against a defense he’s had plenty of success against in the past.
Jakobi Meyers over 51.5 receiving yards (-115)
Now that Davante Adams is gone, control of the Raiders’ passing game has been split between tight end Brock Bowers and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers. While the latter isn’t quite talented enough to put up elite numbers, he’s a quality target that multiple Raiders quarterbacks have looked to. This season, he’s tallied 579 yards and two touchdowns on 53 receptions.
Even though Aidan O’Connell has been in and out of the starting lineup, he’s developed some chemistry with Meyers. The pair have combined for 55 catches, 620 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns through thirteen games together. Considering most of those outings came with Adams playing, there’s little reason to believe Meyers can’t deliver on this modest line.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
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