Kansas City Chiefs vs Las Vegas Raiders Picks and Prediction for Sunday, January 4, 2026
Use Code PPWC
Kansas City heads to Allegiant Stadium to face Las Vegas at 4:25 PM ET on CBS. DraftKings has the Chiefs at -6 on the spread, -270 on the moneyline, and the total sitting at 35.5. Both teams limp in on losing streaks, but Kansas City still has the more complete roster and better pass rush. Crush the gridiron with our unbeatable NFL picks.
Chiefs Preview
Kansas City is 6-10 overall and just 1-6 on the road, and the last five games have all been losses, including a 20-13 setback against Denver on Christmas. The offense has leaned on the short and intermediate game, with Travis Kelce leading the team at 839 receiving yards on 73 catches and five touchdowns. Kareem Hunt has 597 rushing yards and eight rushing scores.
Kansas City’s big issue is availability, with quarterback Patrick Mahomes on IR after throwing for 3,587 yards with 22 touchdowns and 11 picks. Even so, the front seven can keep this game under control, with George Karlaftis leading the team with six sacks and Nick Bolton piling up 145 tackles. If the Chiefs protect the ball and let the pass rush dictate, the formula is simple.
Raiders Preview
Las Vegas is 2-14 and 1-7 at home, and the last five games have all been losses with the Raiders getting blown out 34-10 by the Giants in the most recent one. Geno Smith is doubtful with an ankle injury after throwing for 2,849 yards with 18 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, which puts the Raiders in a rough spot. The offense does have a real workload back in Ashton Jeanty with 828 rushing yards, plus Brock Bowers with 680 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, but the ceiling drops fast if the quarterback play slips. Bowers is out injured, and Jeanty may not play.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
Las Vegas’ best defensive player, Maxx Crosby, who has 10 sacks, will not play. Devin White has been all over the field with 160 tackles, but that only goes so far when the offense keeps putting the defense back on the field. With Bowers on IR and a few key pieces listed questionable, this is a thin lineup trying to survive.
Raiders vs Chiefs Prediction
I’m taking Kansas City -6 and the under 35.5. The Chiefs are not playing good football, but Las Vegas is banged up and doesn’t have many ways to generate easy points, especially if Smith sits. Prediction: Chiefs 20, Raiders 13. Betting on sports and on the Chiefs is easy, but even easier if you use the best sportsbooks. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for the Raiders with the Novig promo code. Make sure when you place your bet on Raiders vs Chiefs you are using the BetMGM bonus code.
Betting on the NFL?
- Be sure to look our our list of the best NFL online sportsbooks
- Grow your bankroll by claiming one of our favorite NFL sportsbook promo codes
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $200 in Bonuses Instantly!
Best Picks
- Chiefs -6
- Under 35.5
- Chiefs moneyline (-270) as a safer leg for parlays.
