Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid delivered a bit of surprising news Wednesday morning, as he announced that two-time Pro Bowler and First-Team All-Pro cornerback Marcus Peters would be suspended for this Sunday's game at Arrowhead Stadium.
The Oakland Raiders are currently tied with the Chiefs, and Los Angeles Chargers for first place in the AFC West, and the game this weekend is of the utmost importance. The Silver and Black currently hold the tiebreaker over the Chiefs after they defeated them on Thursday Night Football 31-30. With the win, the Raiders could take sole possession of the division, if the Chargers lose to the Washington Redskins in Week 14.
While the Chiefs have a handful of defensive playmakers aside from Peters, his absence is certainly noteworthy. With the Oakland-native being sidelined this weekend, let's take a look at some other matchups that will be featured when the two team's clash at Arrowhead Field, presented by Madden 18.
Raiders Defensive End Khalil Mack vs. Chiefs Tackle Eric Fisher
Need I remind you what happened the last time these two went toe-to-toe?
Even if you do remember, let's take a moment to watch it again because it's truly a display of pure power.
The fact Mack was able to stiff arm Fisher with one hand into the ground is incredible, and the maneuver even caught the attention of Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams. While that play was back in Week 7, I don't expect a shortage of physicality when these two collide on the gridiron this Sunday.
The Raiders defensive line has come on strong the last couple weeks, and if the unit has any hope of shutting down the Chiefs offense, it'll start with them. Mack has registered a sack in three-consecutive games, and will look to keep the streak alive against Fisher.
Raiders Wide Receiver Michael Crabtree vs. Chiefs Cornerback Darrelle Revis
After serving his one-game suspension, Crabtree will be back in the fold against the Chiefs, and will most likely square off against wily veteran, cornerback Darrelle Revis.
In "King Crab's" 10 games this season, he's totaled 42 receptions, 502 receiving yards, and six touchdowns. No. 15 is four touchdowns away from setting a career-high, and it's not out of the question for him to still accomplish that goal.
The Chiefs have given up 18 passing touchdowns this season, and have the 30th overall defense, allowing 382.2 yards per game. Prior to Week 13, Revis hadn't set foot on a professional football field since Week 15 of the 2016 season when he was still a member of the New York Jets.
Revis has had quite the career with seven Pro Bowl appearances, four First-Team All-Pro selections, 29 interceptions, and 138 passes defensed to his name. At 32 years of age however, the former Pittsburgh Panther has dropped off.
**Raiders Tight End Jared Cook vs. Chiefs Tight End Travis Kelce
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Cook and Kelce clearly won't have the opportunity to matchup with each other, but in terms of how they affect the game, this matchup should be interesting.
Kelce is arguably the Chiefs best receiver, and has a total of 871 receiving yards on the year, as well as seven touchdowns, which is a career-high. Compared to Cook, he leads in both categories [Just reword, kind of confusing], but as No. 87 displayed during the Raiders and Chiefs Thursday night showdown, he's able to come up with clutch plays at crucial points of the game. That very same night, Cook overshadowed Kelce, notching 107 receiving yards, which trumped Kelce's 33-yard outing.
With the Chiefs missing some of their key playmakers, Cook could be in line for another big day, and limiting Kelce, as always, will be imperative if the Raiders defense wants to find success.
