Chiefs vs Raiders: A Season Finale Defined by Draft Picks and Legacy

The 2025 NFL season concludes this Sunday with an AFC West matchup that feels more like a post-mortem than a prime-time clash. The Kansas City Chiefs, a franchise synonymous with Super Bowl contention for nearly a decade, will visit the Las Vegas Raiders in a game where playoff implications have been replaced by draft lottery math and questions about the future. For the Raiders, a loss secures a coveted top-10 draft pick. For the Chiefs, it’s a chance to salvage pride and perhaps send a legend off with a win. This isn’t the high-stakes duel fans are used to; it’s a stark reflection of a dramatically shifted division landscape.

This finale is a far cry from their last meeting on October 19, 2025, a game that now serves as a painful benchmark for how far these rivals have fallen—or, in Kansas City’s case, stumbled. In that Week 7 contest, Patrick Mahomes and a returning Rashee Rice dismantled the Raiders in a 31-0 shutout so complete it felt like a different era. Now, both teams look in the mirror and see squads that Arrowhead Addict described as “barely recognizable,” finishing in the lower half of an AFC West finally won by the Denver Broncos.

The Stunning Fall of a Dynasty and a Rivalry

For the first time since 2015, the AFC West crown belongs to someone other than the Chiefs. Kansas City enters this game with a 6-10 record, a shocking decline for a team that appeared in five of the past six Super Bowls. The Raiders, perennially chasing them, have also floundered. Their season has been defined by offensive struggles, epitomized by the 31-0 loss where they were outgained 434-94 in total yards and managed a mere three first downs. That game was a “gut check,” as the Raiders’ own site called it, but the checks have mostly bounced since.

“I signed up to be a Kansas City Chief and I love doing what I do… I think getting back to that [childhood dream] will give you more motivation than you could ever need to play this game,” said Travis Kelce in mid-December, hinting at the introspection surrounding this fallen giant.

Key Matchup Stats: Historical Dominance vs. Current Reality

While the present is grim, the historical data in this rivalry heavily favours Kansas City, particularly through their superstars. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce have owned this matchup, building legacies at the Raiders’ expense.

Week 18: What’s Actually at Stake in Las Vegas

With pride and positioning on the line, the motivations for Sunday’s game are clear and contrasting.

For the Las Vegas Raiders: The Top 10 Pick

For Las Vegas, the path is counter-intuitive but clear: losing is the optimal outcome. A defeat would all but guarantee a selection in the top 10 of the 2026 NFL Draft, a critical asset for a franchise in need of a foundational talent. The “tank” narrative is unavoidable, but players and coaches will be fighting for jobs and respect in what has been a deeply disappointing season.

For the Kansas City Chiefs: A Rebound and a Send-off

Kansas City’s mission is twofold. First, they must rebound from a season that failed every expectation. A win would at least end a miserable year on a positive note. Second, and more emotionally charged, this could be the final game for future Hall of Fame tight end Travis Kelce. While unconfirmed, the speculation is rampant. Sending Kelce off with a victory over a historic rival would provide a small but meaningful consolation for the Chiefs’ faithful.

Breaking Down the Key Factors

Can the Chiefs’ Offense Recapture Old Magic?

The Chiefs’ offence, once a terrifying machine, has sputtered all season. However, if there’s one team they can exploit, it’s the Raiders. Mahomes’ mastery in this series is well-documented. Watch for him to target Travis Kelce early and often, allowing the star tight end to pad his already impressive career numbers against Las Vegas. Rashee Rice, who scored two touchdowns in the Week 7 blowout, will also look to be a factor.

The Raiders’ Quest for Any Offensive Spark

Las Vegas’s offence hit rock bottom in the October shutout. Improving on a 94-yard performance should be a bare-minimum goal. They’ll need to establish some semblance of a run game and protect the quarterback to avoid another embarrassing statistical domination. This game is an audition for every player hoping to be part of the Raiders’ 2026 plans.

Final Thoughts Before Kickoff

This Chiefs vs. Raiders matchup lacks the glitter of playoff implications, but it carries a unique weight. It’s a snapshot of a league in flux, where dynasties can falter and long-term planning sometimes means embracing short-term pain. For Kansas City, it’s an opportunity to close a dreadful chapter with a hint of dignity and honour a legend. For Las Vegas, it’s a strategic step toward a brighter future, even if it feels wrong in the moment. Tune in not for a classic, but for a pivotal moment in the ongoing story of two franchises at a crossroads.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time is the Chiefs vs. Raiders game on Sunday?

The Kansas City Chiefs vs. Las Vegas Raiders Week 18 season finale kicks off at 4:25 PM ET / 1:25 PM PT on Sunday, January 10, 2026.

What is the Raiders’ motivation to lose this game?

A loss significantly improves the Raiders’ chances of securing a top-10 selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. With both teams out of playoff contention, draft positioning becomes a primary organizational focus, making a defeat more valuable for long-term rebuilding.

Could this be Travis Kelce’s last NFL game?

While Travis Kelce has not officially announced his retirement, there is widespread speculation that this could be his final game. His recent comments about motivation and reflecting on his childhood dream have fueled this possibility, making this Week 18 matchup an emotionally charged event for Chiefs fans.

Where can I watch highlights from the last Chiefs-Raiders game?

Highlights from the Chiefs’ 31-0 victory over the Raiders in Week 7 of the 2025 season are available on official NFL platforms like NFL.com and the Chiefs’ and Raiders’ team websites, as well as on sports highlight channels on social media platforms.