Week Seven Match-Up: Oakland Raiders

It is time for another breakdown!  This week we travel to Oakland to face our biggest rivals.  Last week, we had a bye to rest up and prepare for the game.  The Raiders barely came out with a victory against the Browns to finish with a 4-2 record.

I'll look at the passing, rushing, special teams, and coaching.  I'll even take a look at the x-factory all while trying to be as unbiased as possible.

Chiefs QB:  Matt Cassel

Raiders QB:  Kyle Boller?

The Raiders are 24th in the league in passing yards per game.  However, they are without their starter Jason Campbell due to injury.  Boller obviously isn't the answer since the Raiders are trying to find someone to come in.  It doesn't look too good for them though.  So it is likely that Boller will get the start.  Last week, he came in and threw 8 completions for 100 yards.  The Chiefs are 29th in the league in passing yards per game.  However, the last few games it seems like the Chiefs are finding more success through the air.  In 6 games the Raiders have allowed just about 284 yards per game through the air.  The Raiders have allowed a pretty low 54 percent of the passes to be completed against them.  They have given up 12 touchdowns through the air.  The Chiefs in 5 games have allowed just under 250 yards through the air.  The Chiefs have allowed 61 percent of the passes to be completed against them.  The Chiefs have also given up 12 touchdowns through the air.

When the Chiefs Pass:  Chiefs

When The Raiders Pass:  Chiefs

Chiefs Running Backs:  Jackie Battle, Thomas Jones

Raiders Running Backs:  Darren McFadden, Michael Bush

The Raiders are ranked 2nd in the league with 160 yards per game.   They are averaging a 5.1 per carry average on the running plays.  The Chiefs are ranked 6th in the league with 127.4 yards per game.  The Chiefs are averaging a 4.6 per carry average on the running plays.  The Raiders are allowing 113 yards per game on the ground.  The Chiefs are allowing 119 yards per game on the ground.  The Chiefs have gotten better over the last few weeks and did hold Adrian Peterson to under 100.  McFadden is looking like a beast though.  If Battle is healthy I don't see either team really containing the run all that much.

When The Chiefs Run:  Chiefs

When The Raiders Run:  Raiders

Chiefs Special Teams:  Ryan Succop, Dustin Colquitt, PR/KR Javier Arenas, Dexter McCluster

Raiders Special Teams:  Sebastian Janikowski, Shane Lechler, PR/KR Denarius Moore, Jacoby Ford

Janikowski is a beast making all but 1 of his field goals this year--it was over 50 yards.  He however made 5 FG's over 50 yards this year.  Lechler is booting them to a 53.1 yard average and 8 punts inside the 20.  Succop has missed 3 FG's this year.  Colquitt has a 43.2 yard average with 7 punts inside the 20.  Moore is averaging 6.1 yards on his punt returns.  Arenas is number 1 in that area with 16.3 yards per punt return.  Ford has a kick return touchdown already this year.  He shares returns with Taiwan Jones.  Together they have a 24.7 yard average.  Arenas and McCluster are sharing as well with a 23.1 yard average per kickoff return.

Special Teams:  Raiders

Chiefs Coaches:  Todd Haley, Bill Muir, Romeo Crennel

Raiders Coaches:  Hue Jackson, Al Saunders, Chuck Bresnahan

The Chiefs coaching seems to be on the right path after the last 3 games.  The Raiders are doing a solid job with their team so far this year.  I wonder how the coaching will change due to Campbell being out?  I'll give the slight edge to the Chiefs due to a 2 game win streak and being more prepared.  Crennel is a good coach to have in any match-up.

Coaching:  Chiefs

The Raiders are at home after a few emotional weeks (RIP Mr. Davis).  The Raiders are also plus 2 in the turnover category.  The Chiefs have had a bye week to prepare and get healthy.  The Chiefs also have an advantage since the Raiders are without their starting QB.

X - Factor:  Tie

This will be a very close game.  It should also be a very emotional game for the Raiders.  The Chiefs have face a lot of injuries but we've had time to plan around the.  The Raiders will have less than a week to prepare with a new quarterback.  I think for that reason only the Chiefs will edge it out.  I am 3-2 at picking the Chiefs game this year.

Winner:  Chiefs