For the first time, the NFL has added Black Friday to its slate of must-watch games, and it kicks off with significant anticipation. This time around, fans will see the Kansas City Chiefs—currently boasting the best record in the NFL at 10-1—go toe-to-toe with the struggling Las Vegas Raiders, who, with only two wins to their name, sit at the bottom of the league at 2-9. Such an uneven matchup has raised eyebrows, especially considering the Chiefs are favored by 12.5 points, making it one of the largest spreads seen this season.
While the Chiefs have demonstrated dominance throughout their year, clinching eight of their eleven victories by narrow margins, their performance has been anything but guaranteed. Earlier this season, they faced the Raiders and scraped by with a 27-20 win. The pending rematch now promises to be electrifying yet tense, with fans on high alert to see if the Raiders can defy the odds.
The action is set to kick off at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City's hallowed grounds, with the game scheduled for 1 p.m. MT (2 p.m. CT). Fans can catch the game via streaming on Amazon Prime, formatted similar to the usual Thursday Night Football broadcasts. This new tradition of Friday night games stands poised to join the ranks of iconic NFL moments, thanks to the league’s efforts to expand its audience.
Calling the game will be the famed duo of Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit, who bring their expertise and charisma to the commentators' booth. Meanwhile, sideline reporter Kaylee Hartung is expected to provide up-close insights and immediate reactions as the game progresses.
Betting odds indicate the Chiefs are favored to win with significant confidence seen across various platforms. With Kansas City at -700 on the moneyline compared to the Raiders’ +500, sportsbooks expect to see the Chiefs capitalize on their superior record. Analysts suggest there could be value betting against such hefty odds, particularly considering how competitive and unpredictable these intra-division games can be.
On the injury front, both teams have notable absentees. The Chiefs are missing their key kicker, Harrison Butker, along with running back Isiah Pacheco and defensive end Charles Omenihu. The Raiders are contending with several players listed as questionable, including tailbacks Zamir White and Alexander Mattison and tight end Harrison Bryant, creating uncertainty about their lineup.
Predictions for the game vary. Bookies.com anticipates the Chiefs will emerge victorious with a score of 28-16, reflecting their offensive prowess. Contrarily, Dimers projects a more conservative score line of 26-19 favoring the Chiefs, indicating room for the Raiders to surprise. ESPN stats suggest the Chiefs have about 76.1% chance of winning—cutting the Raiders’ chances down to 23.7%. This inconsistency among predictions heightens the drama of the game, making it an anticipated spectacle for fans both old and new.
With both teams coming off different trajectories—the Raiders struggling with seven consecutive losses versus the Chiefs’ resilient march toward another playoff berth—this game could either become the cherry on top of the holiday weekend or the breaking point for one team amid the turmoil of their respective seasons.
Whether you're watching from home or cheering from the stands, the matchup on Black Friday promises excitement and, hopefully, some unforgettable football moments. So, gather around the TV, grab some snacks, and be prepared for what should be another thrilling chapter of the NFL’s storied history.
