The Kansas City Chiefs will be looking to finish their lost season on a high note in Week 18 as they visit the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.
Considering KC is playing with their third-string QB, I’m eyeing Vegas to cover the spread, at the very least, in my Chiefs vs. Raiders predictions and NFL picks below.
Chiefs vs Raiders predictions
Here are our early thoughts on the spread and total for this week’s game. We will have a full game preview (with a best bet and SGP) later in the week.
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Early Chiefs vs Raiders spread pick: Raiders +6.5
This Las Vegas Raiders season became even worse on Sunday as they lost the “Toilet Bowl” to the Giants, putting them in prime position to land the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Las Vegas is now sitting at 2-14, and the Pete Carroll-Geno Smith experiment has been a nightmare in Year 1.
However, I do believe Week 18 represents an opportunity for the Raiders to finally win a game. They head into this clash as an early 6.5-point underdog, despite the Kansas City Chiefs currently playing with third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun.
KC has lost five straight, and I really have zero confidence in them being able to cover this spread. Yes, the Raiders are also riding a 10-game losing skid, but their last win did happen to come on home soil.
There’s always the possibility this one ends up being close and Vegas still loses, but I do see them covering either way.
Early Chiefs vs Raiders total pick: Under 35.5
It’s a rarity to see the total for a game at just 35.5 points, but it makes sense in this game. The Chiefs have zero offensive firepower right now without Mahomes leading the ship, while the Raiders have looked pretty hopeless under Geno Smith.
KC scored just 13 points in Week 17. Vegas put up only 10 points in a loss to the Giants. Both of these teams actually have respectable defenses as well.
These defenses will stand out, and both the Chiefs and Raiders will fail to capitalize on their opportunities.
Chiefs vs Raiders odds
- Chiefs vs. Raiders spread: Raiders +6.5
- Chiefs vs. Raiders moneyline: Chiefs -275, Raiders +210
- Chiefs vs. Raiders Over/Under: 35.5
How to watch Chiefs vs Raiders
- Chiefs vs. Raiders matchup
- Date: Sunday, January 4, 2026, 4:25 p.m. ET
- City: Las Vegas, Nevada
- Venue: Allegiant Stadium
- TV: CBS
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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