NFL Underdog Pick Week 17
January 2nd 2016 - Special K
Oakland Raiders (+7) at Kansas City
Chiefs
In 2011, the Oakland Raiders went 8-8 under Hue Jackson. Reggie McKenzie came in
and wanted to give the Raiders a fresh start so he fired Jackson after his first
season. Since then, Raiders fans have suffered through 3 losing seasons in a row
and Jackson has flourished as a coordinator in Cincinnati. Fast forward to 2015,
Raiders management and fans would accept an 8-8 record this season as a huge
success. When picking games in week 17, you really do have to factor in
motivation of the teams playing. The Raiders are motivated to finish the season
at 8-8 and head into 2016 on a positive note. Even though the Chiefs clinched a
playoff spot, they are motivated as well to win the AFC West division. A win and
a Broncos loss would make the Chiefs division champs.
The Chiefs beat the Raiders 34-20 a few weeks ago in Oakland. Don't let that
score fool you. The Raiders were winning that game 20-14 going into the 4th
quarter but a series of Derek Carr mistakes and an opportunistic Chiefs defense
put that game away. The Chiefs were outgained 361 to 232 yards in total offense
and were dominated in time of possession. The Raiders offense is the main reason I
like them as an underdog this week. The Raiders can put up points and I expect
the Chiefs to rest Hali and Houston for the playoffs. Andy Reid has also been
known to rest starters in the past as well so I will gladly take 7 points and
the Raiders in this matchup.
Take the Raiders and the points
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