Oakland Raiders @ Kansas City Chiefs live on Sky Sports 1
Friday 9 December 2016 00:32, UK
The AFC West is arguably the most competitive division in the NFL this season, and on Thursday night two Super Bowl contenders meet, hoping to stake their claim for a play-off place.
The Oakland Raiders currently lead the division with a 10-2 record, having gone the last six games unbeaten. In week 13 Jack del Rio's side scored 29 unanswered points - their biggest comeback in 16 years - to beat the Buffalo Bills 38-24 and remain one game ahead of their rivals.
Kansas City have been on an equally impressive run with just one loss in their last eight. Last week saw safety Eric Berry make a last-minute interception, returning it for a two-point score to beat the Atlanta Falcons by a single point.
Both fightbacks set up a colossal match-up between two teams who sport one of the league's longest rivalries, having shared a division since 1960. History aside, both teams are competing to represent the AFC and neither can afford to slip up, with the Denver Broncos just one game back from Kansas in the division.
Kansas City came out victorious in the earlier meeting this season, as running back Spencer Ware dominated proceedings with a 131-yard game. The Chiefs' offence stayed on the field over 13 minutes longer than their opponents, containing wide receiver Amari Cooper to just one second-half catch.
It is the Chiefs' ability to force turnovers that have made their defence so effective this year. They lead the league with 25, including 14 interceptions, and will be hoping to pressure Oakland quarterback Derek Carr into mistakes.
Live NFL
That might be easier said than done, as Carr's recent performances have seen the third-year QB enter the MVP race. After last week, Carr said in his press conference that he felt calmer than he did a year ago, and was able to read the field a lot easier, even when under pressure. The difference is visible, with the passer leading his team to their first winning season since 2002.
The Raiders also have the benefit of Khalil Mack, who continues to make plays in clutch situations. His individual performances make up for Oakland's sub-par defence, while also generating MVP buzz of his own. However, they will miss safety Karl Joseph, who is out with a toe injury.
The Chiefs have no fresh injury concerns, but welcome back wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, who has been missing for the last four games with a groin injury. Justin Houston continues to make a good defence great, having registered four sacks in his last two games, after returning to the field following knee surgery in February.
A win for Kansas City would result in a share of the division lead and, with a relatively kind final three games, give the Chiefs an edge in the race for the West. If the Raiders win, they put breathing space between themselves and their opponents, and could even book a place in the post-season, if either Denver or Miami were to lose.
