Three X-Factors for Raiders vs. Chiefs

The Las Vegas Raiders are set to play their rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs, at Allegiant Stadium this afternoon.

The Chiefs are still one of the top teams in the AFC, but they are not flawless this season. This Raiders team, playing with a chip on their shoulder, has a chance to pull the upset by exploiting some of those Chiefs' flaws.

The Raiders need to play complementary football on both offense and defense, and they need to take care of the football in order to pull out the victory. They have to be at their best in order to beat one of the best teams in the league.

It could come down to a few players having big games, so let’s take a look at three players who could be X-factors for the Silver and Black.

Defensive end Malcolm Koonce - With Maxx Crosby’s status doubtful for today’s game, the Raiders will need players like Koonce and Tyree Wilson to step up and replicate Crosby’s impact.

While that is a tough standard to reach, Koonce is talented and has all the tools to be an impactful edge rusher for the Raiders. Through 11 games this season, Koonce has posted 22 total tackles, three tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and two sacks. According to Pro Football Focus, he has generated 24 total pressures as well.

The Chiefs’ tackle situation is not ideal, so Koonce has a chance to make life difficult for their offensive line and get after quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Linebacker Divine Deablo - Stopping tight end Travis Kelce is high on the list of the Raiders’ priorities. Having an athletic linebacker like Deablo is a good start.

Deablo is having a good season with 66 total tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack, and two passes defended. His athleticism and speed matched up with Kelce giving the Raiders a chance to slow down the Chiefs’ top option in the passing game.

Deablo can also get downfield and stop ball carriers in the run game. He will be key in slowing down the Chiefs’ offense, and they are hoping he has another big game.