Just now: Three Things to Look Out For: Raiders vs. Chiefs

Three things to look out for when the Las Vegas Raiders face the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day at Arrowhead Stadium. It all starts with Josh Jacobs, the running back. Jacobs, with one rushing touchdown, would become one of only six running backs in NFL history to have 7+ rushing touchdowns in each of their first five seasons. He’d be the first Raiders player to accomplish the record, and it’d be his sixth consecutive season with seven or more rushing touchdowns. Jacob’s five-season streak would be the NFL’s second-longest active streak and tied for the seventh-longest streak in league history.

Davante Adams of the Raiders is the next guy to watch on Christmas Day versus the Chiefs. Adams would record his fifth career 1,000-yard receiving season with 32 yards. With 32 yards, he would also record his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard receiving game, tying him for the NFL’s second-longest current streak. Adams would be one of three NFL players to have 1,000+ receiving yards in each of the last four seasons (2020-23).

Finally, defensive end Maxx Crosby is a player to keep an eye on against the Chiefs on Christmas Day. Crosby would have 20+ tackles for loss for the second straight season with one tackle for loss. He would be one of only seven NFL players since 2000 to have two seasons with 20 or more tackles for loss. Crosby’s five tackles against the Chiefs will give him 85+ tackles for the second consecutive season. He’d be one of only two defensive linemen since 200 to have two seasons with at least 85 tackles.

Keep an eye out for these three Raiders, who will be on record-breaking duty against the Chiefs on Christmas Day. With a win, the Raiders can improve to 7-8 on the season and snap a six-game losing streak against a team they haven’t beaten since November of 2020. The Silver and Black will play their AFC West rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs, on Christmas Day at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

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Richie James’ role will be expanded against the Raiders on Monday

The Kansas City Chiefs have been unusually forthcoming this week about a significant alteration in their offensive lineup for Monday’s Christmas Day game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Richie James, who has only played in 26 snaps since returning off injured reserve in Week 11, will see more action with the offense. It remains to be seen whether his increased offensive responsibilities will result in a reduction in his kick-return duties.

James is coming off a season in which he finished second on the club with 569 receiving yards with the New York Giants in 2022. Despite little playing time over the last three games, he has three receptions for 33 yards versus Kansas City.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs are reducing time for wide receiver Kadarius Toney, who has missed the first two days of practice this week due to a hip issue and is coming off a poor performance. Skyy Moore, a wide receiver, was placed on injured reserve last weekend due to a knee injury.

If it hadn’t been for James’ early-season knee injury, it appears like he would have already been an important component of the attack.

“He can play different roles,” offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said during a press conference on Friday. “In this offensive, different players fill different roles. You’re aware of it. I believe he is effective in the spot. When you’re in the slot, you need to be able to read defenses and zones, and then you have to beat man, inside and outside leverage, so he’s done well.”

Last season, James was in the slot 85% of the time. That’s down to 45% in his limited time with the Chiefs. His two snaps against the New England Patriots came from wide receiver.

“Richie’s been great,” wide receiver coach Connor Embree exclaimed. “He’s been fantastic in our room. He’s an excellent leader. He is quite helpful to the young men. He assists [Rashee Rice]. He’ll play on Monday and receive his shots. We like to shift people about, and everyone has to know every location. I’m thrilled for Richie. I can tell he’s excited. He’s been putting in long hours behind the scenes. When you’re hurt, you have to accomplish things on your own. He’s been working hard, has been in the meeting room, and is still in the playbook, so I’m excited for him.”

Listening to the coaching staff gives the impression that James has earned what is to come through his rehab work and response to his limited role upon his return. Fans of the Kansas City Chiefs are hoping that this is yet another excellent option for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

“He went through some injuries and got back, and now, I think he’s handled his situation as a true professional,” Nagy said. “When opportunities come up, coach [Reid] says that about Richie, and you get him chances, I think you’ll see good things from him.”