Week 16 Match-Up: Kansas City Chiefs vs Oakland Raiders

It is a short week and we face our rival the Raiders in 2 days! It will be a good Christmas present if the Chiefs blowout the Raiders for the 2nd time this year. The Chiefs need to win this in order to be kept alive in the playoff race. We then need another Christmas present from the Bills. They can crush the Broncos for us and gift wrap the remains.

I'll take a look at the passing, rushing, special teams, and coaching. I'll also look at the x-factor while being as unbiased as possible.

Chiefs QB: Kyle Orton

Raiders QB: Carson Palmer

The Raiders are 12th in passing yards averaging 237 yards through the air. The Chiefs are ranked 26th in passing yards averaging 186 yards through the air. The Raiders defense is ranked 23rd in pass defense. They are giving up 244 yards in the air per game. The Chiefs defense is ranked 9th in pass defense. The Chiefs are giving up 210 yards through in the air per game. The Raiders are allowing their opponents to complete 53 percent of their passes. The Chiefs are allowing their opponents to complete 58 percent of their passes. The Raiders have 39 sacks and 15 interceptions this year so far. The Chiefs have 17 sacks and 17 interceptions this year so far. Carson Palmer has thrown for 13 interceptions in 259 passing attempts with the Raiders. Kyle Orton didn't throw an interception last week in his first start with the Chiefs.

When The Chiefs Pass: Chiefs

When The Raiders Pass: Chiefs

Chiefs Running Backs: Thomas Jones, Jackie Battle

Raiders Running Backs: Michael Bush, Taiwan Jones

The Raiders are 6th in rushing with 139 yards per game. The Chiefs are 14th in rushing with 118 yards per game. The Raiders run defense is ranked 26th giving up 135 yards per game. The Chiefs run defense is ranked 24th giving up 130 yards per game. The Raiders are the better rushing team but McFadden won't suit up again. Jones and Bush are also limited in practice so far this week.

When The Chiefs Run: Tie

When The Raiders Run: Tie

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 has only missed 3 field goals this year but has made 6 over 50 plus yards. Succop has only missed 3 field goals and has made 3 over 50 plus yards. Succop currently owns the NFL's current active streak with field goals made with 21 in a row. Lechler is averaging 50.5 yards per punt with 25 within the 20 yard line. Colquitt is averaging 45.7 yards per punt with 22 within the 20 yard line. The Raiders are averaging 21.6 yards per kick off return and 8.8 yards per punt return. The Chiefs are averaging 21.2 yards per kick off return and 11.9 yards per punt return. The Raiders coverage team is allowing 24.3 yards per kick off return and 13.3 yards per punt return. The Chiefs coverage team is allowing 20.5 yards per kick off return and 12.1 yards per punt return. The Raiders kickers are better but Succop is on fire. The Chiefs coverage team is doing better though. I'm going to call this for the Raiders based on they will most likely have better field position. It will be close though.

Special Teams: Raiders

Chiefs Coaches: Romeo Crennel, Bill Muir

Raiders Coaches: Hue Jackson, Al Saunders, Chuck Bresnahan

The Chiefs were in coaching turmoil not too long ago but Crennel has rallied the team. The Raiders have slipped a lot when just 4 weeks back they were clear favorites for the division. They are still in it but it is very slim. I'll have to go with the coaching staff to beat the previously undefeated packers last week in midst of everything that was going on with the team.

Coaching: Chiefs

This is a game that both teams need to win. The last time the teams have played the Chiefs won 28 to 0 but the Raiders were in a QB trouble at that point. I do believe the Raiders have won every year at Arrowhead since 2006. The Chiefs are at home coming off a huge win against the Packers. The Raiders seemed to give up last week. I'll give the edge to the home team.

X - Factor: Chiefs

The Chiefs seemed to have a big spark last week with Orton and Crennel. The defense has been playing lights out against the pass recently. Palmer is far from the best QB we have faced this season. The first time the Chiefs had his number but he only knew like 10 plays he said. I'm hoping it will be a blowout but it will be close. The Raiders always seem to have our number at our house. I'm 7-7 this year in picking Chiefs' games. The Chiefs win this one in a battle.

Winner: Chiefs