Raiders Today

Raider Nation Reacts to Cathartic Regular-Season Finale vs Chiefs

The Las Vegas Raiders are taking on the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18. What does their fanbase have to say about it?
Fernando Alfaro-Donis|
Jan 4, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll observes warm ups before the start of a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Jan 4, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll observes warm ups before the start of a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images | Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

In this story:

Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders are on the verge of closing out a wildly disappointing 2025 season. This offseason is one that will decide the outlook of this team for the next five years or so. They have a top pick, plenty of cap space, and potentially a new head coaching spot opening up.

I don't think Pete Carroll will be coaching this team next season, and Geno Smith definitely won't be their starter. Even if the Raiders don't select Fernando Mendoza first overall in the draft, there's no way Smith keeps his starting job after the season he's had. However, a loss against the Chiefs first is required for them to even think about the first overall pick. What does Raider Nation have to say about this era-defining battle between AFC West opponents?

Raider Nation Reacts

Kenny Pickett
Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kenny Pickett (15) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

The Chiefs began the game with the ball on offense, and it resulted in them having to punt after a Charles Snowden sack. Unfortunately, they gave the ball right back to the Chiefs as Kenny Pickett's first pass attempt was an interception.

Pickett nearly avoided a safety on the Raiders' next drive after the pick. The Chiefs' offense has shown a lot of life with Brashard Smith. He's been killing them on the ground. The Raiders' offense, in comparison, can't get anything going on the ground or in the air. The Chiefs get on the board first with a field goal.

Pickett has shown that he isn't deserving of being the starter for the Raiders. Aidan O'Connell has checked in to the game, which will hopefully mean some sort of offensive spark. Instead, it resulted in a turnover on downs.

The Chiefs were driving after the Raiders turned the ball over, but then they fumbled the ball, which the Raiders recovered. This ended in them tying the game with a field goal. The Raiders own the first overall pick already, thanks to the New York Giants, but the Raiders still have a huge advantage if they lose.

There's still a matter of pride, and a win wouldn't be the worst thing now that they've secured the first overall pick. Daniel Carlson kicked another field goal to give them a lead entering halftime. Raider Nation is upset it wasn't a touchdown attempted against their divisional rival.

Skipping until the end of the third quarter, the Chiefs were able to tie the game with a field goal of their own. Jeanty has been in the game this whole time, and they're giving him a lot of carries, in hopes he can go for 100 yards.

The Raiders kicked another field goal to go on top. The Raiders are a couple of minutes away from kicking off their 2026 year with a win. Their defense has played with a hunger, and their offense has performed better with O'Connell.

Tyree Wilson has had himself a game, stepping up for Maxx Crosby's absence, and his safety extended the Raiders' lead late in the 4th quarter. The Raiders won today on many fronts; hopefully, they can win the game as well.

The Chiefs forced a fumble after their drive ended with a safety, and they were able to kick a field goal. The Raiders couldn't do anything to respond, and the Chiefs kicked another field goal on their next drive. This would give them a 1-point lead. Carlson nailed a 60-yard field goal to give the Raiders a good win heading into the offseason.

Never again miss one major story related to your beloved Silver and Black when you sign up for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes straight to your email with the latest news.  Not only is it 100% FREE, but we also don’t spam you or sell your information.  SIGN UP HERE NOW.

Follow us today on X @HondoCarpenter and IG @HondoSr and find all of our daily content. Go visit our Facebook page to let us know your thoughts on the Raiders winning in Week 18 WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.

Published
Fernando Alfaro-Donis
FERNANDO ALFARO-DONIS

Fernando Alfaro-Donis found his passion for sports playing high school football, which led him to pursue journalism as an English major at UCLA. He also covers the UCLA Bruins and the Los Angeles Rams as an On SI team reporter.