Raiders vs. Chiefs Preview and Free Pick

Last Updated on January 2, 2026 11:55 am by Erwin Noguera

The Las Vegas Raiders face AFC West rivals the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18’s regular-season finale as both teams close out a challenging 2025 campaign.

The Raiders are coming off a 34–10 blowout loss at the hands of the New York Giants, a team that entered that game with a worse record. Veteran quarterback Geno Smith was intercepted twice.

Kansas City continued its absolute collapse this season by losing 20–13 to the Denver Broncos, on a night in which quarterback Chris Oladokun could do very little to guide his teammates.

At Gambyl Exchange, you can explore all NFL predictions, the final bets for this Matchday, and the odds for each match.

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs Betting Odds and Info

Why Bet on the Raiders?

The Raiders head into Week 18 with a 2-14 record, one of the worst in the 2025 NFL season. They are coming off a 34-10 loss to the New York Giants, which has extended their losing streak. As a result, they are in a strong position to secure the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The veteran quarterback finished with a 71% completion rate, but managed only 176 passing yards and one touchdown pass, which went to Tyler Lockett. That game against the Giants was a clear demonstration of just how poor this team has been.

Las Vegas has now lost 10 straight games and has not tasted victory since October 12, when they defeated the Titans 20–10. It is a terrible streak that demands changes heading into next season.

The Raiders will need efficiency to show up again, as this is not a very explosive team. Their ground game will be fundamental, so they must find a way to protect their quarterback.

In addition, they must avoid falling behind early on the scoreboard at all costs because this is a team that struggles to mount comebacks. Youth is their greatest asset, so closing the season with a win could provide a boost heading into the next campaign.

Kolton Miller is out for this game, while Geno Smith, Adam Butler, Dylan Parham, and Raheem Mostert are listed as questionable.

Why Bet on the Chiefs?

From playing in the Super Bowl last season to being eliminated in the regular season with a losing record, that is the current reality of the Kansas City Chiefs, the most disappointing team in the NFL this year.

Without Patrick Mahomes on the field, the Chiefs suffered a 20–13 loss to the Denver Broncos, indicating that the offense has not performed to expected levels this season.

The starting quarterback, Chris Oladokun, completed 22 of 59 passes but only progressed the offense by 66 yards, which is considered mediocre by league standards. However, he did manage to throw one touchdown pass, which was caught by Brashard Smith.

Kansas City has lost its last five games and has won only one of its previous eight. It is a terrible mark for a team that has reached the Super Bowl three times since 2019.

Mahomes has not played since December 14, but his season has been poor. For example, he will finish with 3,587 passing yards and a 62.7% completion rate, his lowest numbers since his rookie season.

If the best quarterback in the league has such a bad year, it explains why the Chiefs have turned in such a poor overall performance.

Nikko Remigio is out for this team, while Trey Smith, Jaylen Moore, Xavier Worthy, Kareem Hunt, and James Winchester are listed as questionable.

Final Betting Analysis: Raiders vs. Chiefs

The Las Vegas Raiders will not have a happy ending to the season, as the Chiefs are expected to finish with a smile to close out a deplorable campaign.

The numbers at Gambyl Exchange have the Chiefs as the favorite, as the moneyline for them shows -256, while the Raiders have +240.

These teams have already met this season, and the Kansas City Chiefs won convincingly, 31–0.

Go for a win for the Chiefs. If you bet $100 at -256, you will gain $39 for a total payout of $139.

Raiders vs. Chiefs Betting Pick: Chiefs