Did a 60-yard field goal just end the Chiefs’ nightmare season on one final sour note?
The Las Vegas Raiders outlasted the Kansas City Chiefs 14-12 in a gritty, low-scoring Week 18 clash at Allegiant Stadium, capping off underwhelming campaigns for both AFC West rivals with a defensive masterclass and a dramatic finish.
Score Summary
The game featured just one safety and eight field goals, with no touchdowns scored:
- 1st Quarter: Chiefs 3, Raiders 0 – Harrison Butker’s 36-yard field goal capped an early drive after an interception.
- 2nd Quarter: Chiefs 0, Raiders 6 – Daniel Carlson hit from 32 and 23 yards to give Las Vegas the halftime edge.
- 3rd Quarter: Chiefs 3, Raiders 0 – Butker’s 40-yarder tied it at 6-6.
- 4th Quarter: Chiefs 6, Raiders 8 – Carlson’s 55-yarder, a safety by Tyree Wilson, Butker’s 47- and 41-yarders, and Carlson’s game-winning 60-yarder as time expired.
Turning Points
- Early Interception: Chamarri Conner’s pick of Kenny Pickett in Q1 set up the Chiefs’ first field goal and early momentum.
- Failed Fake Punt: Raiders’ botched fake in Q2 gave Kansas City a short field, but they couldn’t capitalize beyond a punt, leading to Las Vegas tying it up.
- Fumble Recovery: Tyree Wilson’s strip-sack and recovery in Q2 at the Chiefs’ 18-yard line led to a field goal and the halftime lead.
- Fourth-Quarter Safety: Wilson’s sack in the end zone pushed the Raiders ahead 11-6, shifting pressure back to Kansas City.
- Game-Winner: After the Chiefs took a 12-11 lead late, Aidan O’Connell’s key completions set up Carlson’s career-long 60-yard field goal to win it.
Standout Performances
- Daniel Carlson (Raiders K): Perfect 4/4 on field goals, including 55- and 60-yarders; his clutch kicking accounted for all 12 non-safety points.
- Tyree Wilson (Raiders DE): Monster game with 6 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, a safety, and constant pressure that disrupted the Chiefs’ offense.
- Tonka Hemingway (Raiders DT, Rookie): 2 sacks, 3 QB hits, and solid run defense in a breakout performance.
- Harrison Butker (Chiefs K): 4/4 on field goals, keeping Kansas City in it with long-range accuracy.
- Brashard Smith (Chiefs RB, Rookie): Led the ground attack with 56 yards on 12 carries, providing the few bright spots for KC’s offense.
- Chris Jones (Chiefs DT): 2 sacks, including one that forced a Raiders punt early.
- Aidan O’Connell (Raiders QB): Relieved a struggling Kenny Pickett (1/4, 3 yards, INT) and delivered key passes, like a 23-yard strike to Michael Mayer.
- Ashton Jeanty (Raiders RB): Ground out tough yards (e.g., 12-yard run) to control the clock and set up scores.
Playoff Implications
With the loss, the Chiefs finished 6-11—missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014 and entering a pivotal offseason focused on retooling around Patrick Mahomes post-ACL injury. The win boosted the Raiders to 3-14 but didn’t cost them the No. 1 overall draft pick, secured due to tiebreakers, offering hope for a franchise quarterback or blue-chip talent. Both teams head into rebuild mode, with the Raiders ending Pete Carroll’s tenure on a positive note and the Chiefs eyeing changes after a five-game skid.
