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Raiders Have Not Played on Christmas Day Since 2017

Originally posted on Las Vegas Raiders on SI
By Aidan Champion | Last updated Dec 17, 2023 7:00 AM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders are set to play their biggest rivals and the defending Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, on Christmas Day, a day they have not played on in six years.

It was Christmas of 2017 when the Silver and Black visited Lincoln Financial Field to take on the Philadelphia Eagles, who, ironically, went on to win Super Bowl LII.

Going into the matchup, the Raiders had the same exact record they have now at 6-8. But in 2017, the Silver and Black entered the game coming off back-to-back losses.

At the time, Philadelphia was led by quarterback Nick Foles, who was in just his second contest since taking over for the injured Carson Wentz, who finished third in MVP that season.

The Raiders, meanwhile, were led by quarterback Derek Carr. After the Eagles started the contest with a quick 7-0 lead, Carr would find former Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper for a 63-yard touchdown pass to even the game in the second quarter.

The showdown would be all tied at 7-7 before the two teams traded field goals in the third quarter to once again be at a stalemate going into the fourth quarter.

The tie held for most of the fourth quarter until the Eagles kicked a 48-yard field goal to take the lead with 22 seconds remaining. On one last attempt to win the game, the Raiders fumbled while trying to keep the play alive, allowing Philadelphia to pick it up and take it to the house to cap off their victory with a 19-10 score.

Carr finished the game with just 140 passing yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. Former Raiders running backs Marshawn Lynch and Jalen Richard ran for 95 yards and 42 yards, respectively. Former Raiders safety led the defense with six combined tackles, three passes defensed and an interception.

The Raiders finished that season with a 6-10 record.

The Silver and Black will return to action versus their AFC West rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs, on Christmas Day in Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Don't miss it on Monday, December 25, at 1 p.m. EST/10 a.m. PST.

This article first appeared on Las Vegas Raiders on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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