The writers' Week 8 predictions ahead of the Arrowhead West game

The 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, had a famous saying: “Speak softly and carry a big stick; you're going to go far.” The Kansas City Chiefs have held the big stick in their six wins this season, even if they weren't overwhelming or deep victories. But still wins. As the Chiefs travel to Allegiant Stadium for a date against the Las Vegas Raiders, you better believe they still have the big stick.

The Chiefs are 4-0 against the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium and won Super Bowl 58 at the same venue earlier in the calendar year. It's a familiar spot for Kansas City and an entertainment hub that's home to the two-time defending champions. It's a shame that this could never be Las Vegas' own team.

The stage is set and our writers are ready to predict Sunday's developments. Let's talk about it, shall we?

Price Carter
It's really hard to imagine the Raiders being able to accomplish anything in this game. They lost their best offensive player (Davante Adams), who is switching quarterbacks again, and are without Chrisitan Wilkins, their star defensive free agent. Vegas ranks 22nd in DVOA against the run and 25th against the pass. It's hard to imagine them stopping the Chiefs' extremely efficient offense and seeing the Gardner Minshew-led Raiders score big against the Chiefs' defense.
Chiefs 30, Raiders 13

Matt Conner
Last week I picked the 49ers only because the Chiefs had to lose to someone this regular season and then they got a 10-point win despite losing more players and still not playing at their best. I've learned my lesson and that means 17-0 isn't out of the question at all. These Raiders are unforgettable stepping stones and nothing more – rivals or not.
Chiefs 25, Raiders 9

Braden Holecek

The Chiefs are probably thinking about getting revenge for last Christmas. Las Vegas embarrassed Kansas City in dominant fashion in their own stadium. Now the Chiefs want revenge while remaining undefeated. Seeing how KC distributes touches will be the topic that interests me most. Kareem Hunt was great. Are they leaning on him again? Or will the passing attack take off with the potential debut of DeAndre Hopkins? It will be fascinating to see Hopkins and Xavier Worthy perform alongside Travis Kelce.

Chiefs 31, Raiders 16

Felix Johnson
This should be pretty easy. It's the Raiders. God knows the football gods are definitely after the Chiefs, but not against this Raiders team. I would like to see ball-striking become a mainstay of defense. Last year's team was great, but didn't turn the ball over as often. After torturing Purdy last week, I want to party with Jaden Hicks again.

Chiefs 30, Raiders 17

Jacob Milham
It's hard to preach any Sunday when you look at this game on paper. Is this a rivalry that I'm dying to see again with vigor and vigor? Yes. Is this a Sunday afternoon matchup between two NFL teams? Yes. But the gap between the two, on paper, in body language and in overall orientation, couldn't be more different. Plus, this is a revenge game for last season's upset Raiders win, and this offseason's Kermit and Kansas City have everything to gain with a dominant win. Brock Bowers will give Kansas City some headaches, but he can't beat the undefeated Chiefs alone.
Chiefs 28, Raiders 13

Charles Robinson
The Chiefs are enjoying the NFL's longest winning streak in a building where they have never lost. 5-0 at Allegiant, most recently a win in Super Bowl 58. The Raiders are in shambles and until proven otherwise, Kansas City is the winner. The best in the league.
Chiefs 27, Raiders 13

Stacy D Smith

After last season's Christmas Day debacle, the Chiefs have this game circled on their calendar. When Las Vegas Raiders rookie safety Trey Taylor used a Kermit the Frog puppet – a stand-in for Patrick Mahomes – to insult the Chiefs' superstar quarterback, they probably turned the game around. No contest will provide greater motivation for Mahomes to turn things around than Sunday's matchup with his division rival. The Chiefs recently signed decorated receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who is expected to play on Sunday. I think the Chiefs are getting back to their productive ways offensively. Travis Kelce is getting it going again in this contest, Xavier Worthy is having a field day leading the Raiders defense, and the Chiefs continue to have success on the ground. The defense records another pair of turnovers and the Chiefs get another dub.
Chiefs 31, Raiders 20.

Lucas Strozinsky

The Chiefs need to figure out the wide receiver position and Patrick Mahomes' game. Returning to the same stadium where they won Super Bowl LVIII will hopefully help Mahomes get his mojo back. Considering how much of a tire fire the Raiders are, this game shouldn't be close, but we all know the Chiefs are going to make it weird.

Chiefs 20, Raiders 10