Chiefs playoff berth/ Raiders botched snap/ Mahomes franchise record/ Kansas City win streak/ AFC West rivalry/ KANSAS CITY/ Mo./ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Kansas City Chiefs secured their 10th consecutive playoff berth with a nail-biting 19-17 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. A botched snap in the game’s final moments ended the Raiders’ comeback hopes and extended Kansas City’s remarkable one-possession game win streak.
Chiefs Clinch Playoff Spot in Thriller: Quick Looks
- Final Score: Kansas City edged Las Vegas 19-17 in dramatic fashion.
- Botched Snap: Raiders fumbled a final play, sealing the Chiefs’ win.
- Mahomes’ Milestone: Set a franchise record with his 328th touchdown pass.
- Raiders Eliminated: Las Vegas officially out of playoff contention.
- Playoff Bound: Chiefs secure their 10th straight playoff appearance.
Chiefs Secure Playoff Berth 19-17 Over Raiders’ Botched Snap
Deep Look: Chiefs Clinch Playoff Spot in Wild 19-17 Win Over Raiders
The Kansas City Chiefs continue to find improbable ways to win. Their 19-17 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Friday not only added another chapter to their storied rivalry but also secured the Chiefs’ 10th consecutive playoff berth, the second-longest streak in NFL history.
A Chaotic Finish
The game’s final moments were as tense as they come. With 15 seconds left, the Raiders (2-10) had driven to Kansas City’s 32-yard line, setting up what could have been a game-winning field goal attempt. However, chaos ensued when rookie center Jackson Powers-Johnson snapped the ball unexpectedly, hitting quarterback Aidan O’Connell’s shoulder. Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton recovered the loose ball, sealing Kansas City’s victory.
“It was a big stop in a big moment,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said after the game.
Raiders coach Antonio Pierce reflected on the blunder: “That last play there was a lot going on, from the officiating to the flags to the ball being snapped.”
Offensive Highlights
Mahomes led the Chiefs (11-1) with 306 passing yards and a touchdown. His six-yard strike to Justin Watson late in the first half marked his 328th career touchdown pass, surpassing Len Dawson for the franchise record.
Las Vegas’ Aidan O’Connell threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns, showing resilience after a slow start. Rookie receiver Brock Bowers had a standout performance with 10 catches for 140 yards and a touchdown.
Raiders Hang Tough
Despite their struggles this season, the Raiders gave the defending Super Bowl champions a scare. O’Connell found Bowers for a touchdown late in the third quarter, followed by a 58-yard bomb to Tre Tucker early in the fourth, giving Las Vegas a 17-16 lead.
But the Raiders’ inability to capitalize on key opportunities, including a missed 58-yard field goal by Daniel Carlson in the fourth quarter, ultimately cost them the game.
“We came up short yet again against the world champs,” Pierce said.
Defensive Prowess
The Chiefs’ defense stepped up in crucial moments. Chris Jones ended a seven-game sack drought with two sacks, while Justin Reid and George Karlaftis batted down key passes to halt the Raiders’ late-game momentum.
Kansas City also extended its NFL-record streak with a 14th straight one-possession game victory.
Playoff Implications
The victory improved the Chiefs to 11-1, ensuring their 10th consecutive playoff appearance. Even with their eyes on a third consecutive Super Bowl berth, Mahomes emphasized the team’s need for improvement.
“We don’t feel like we’re playing our best football,” Mahomes said. “Our goal is to get to the Super Bowl, and we have to keep building toward that.”
What’s Next?
Stats and Notes
- Chris Jones: Snapped a seven-game sack drought with two sacks.
- Raiders’ Struggles: Trailed by double digits in every game this season.
- Mahomes Milestone: His 328th touchdown pass set a franchise record.
- Playoff Streak: Chiefs’ 10th straight playoff berth is second only to the New England Patriots’ record of 11.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.