Chiefs fend off Raiders' upset bid after Las Vegas blows potential game-winning field goal chance

Kansas City becomes the first team to clinch a playoff spot this season, and it happened after a second wild NFL finish in two days

Frank Schwab
·Senior writer

The Kansas City Chiefs are finding weird ways to win this season. Friday was the weirdest way of all.

The Las Vegas Raiders were in field goal range with less than 20 seconds left, and they were trying to get closer. Rookie center Jackson Powers-Johnson then snapped to quarterback Aidan O’Connell in shotgun before he was ready, and it hit him in the chest. The Chiefs fell on the ball and after a long conference between the officials, they ruled the Chiefs had recovered the fumble. Game over. Chiefs win 19-17.

After the game, Powers-Johnson took the blame for the blunder, saying it was a miscommunication between he and O'Connell.

Likewise, O'Connell took accountability, saying: "it was completely my fault. I was looking out to right, making sure guys were set and I started clapping. In my head I was thinking signal the ball to get the ball, but when I start clapping it tells Jackson, basically, snap the ball. Jackson did exactly what he should have done and I clapped too early."

Kansas City is doing just enough to get by, and they seem to find a way to win close games over inferior teams every week. Amazingly, that’s been good enough for a 11-1 record. The Chiefs looked unimpressive yet again on Friday, but as usual they found a way to win. This time it was holding off the Las Vegas Raiders, who are now 2-10.

The Chiefs are now the first team this season to clinch a playoff spot, but their issues are legitimate. Their offensive tackles are struggling badly. The offensive skill-position talent is good but doesn’t have a lot of explosive speed outside of Xavier Worthy, who is an unreliable rookie. The defense this season has been good but short of what it was last season.

And despite all of that, the Chiefs are 11-1. And as we all learned last season, when the games matter most in January, the Chiefs’ issues just seem to fade away once the postseason starts and they’re marching to another Super Bowl. But they shouldn’t be barely beating teams like the Raiders.

Early on the game seemed to be there for the taking for the Raiders. They just kept blowing opportunities.

The Raiders were able to move the ball well enough but couldn’t do enough on the Chiefs’ side of the field. Daniel Carlson missed two long field goals. The Raiders, one of the worst rushing teams in the NFL over many years, also got stuffed on a fourth-and-1 handoff at the Chiefs’ 31.

Late in the third quarter, right before O’Connell took a 15-yard sack that led into Carlson missing another field goal, the Raiders were outgaining the Chiefs. And they trailed 13-3.

Finally, the Raiders made a move. Ameer Abdullah had a long kickoff return and then electric rookie tight end Brock Bowers had a great touchdown grab from 33 yards out. The Raiders trailed 16-10.

Once again, the back-to-back champion Chiefs were in a closer game than anyone expected against one of the worst teams in the NFL. Then it got serious as the Raiders took a fourth-quarter lead.

On the first play of the fourth quarter, O’Connell threw deep down the left sideline. Tre Tucker got behind the Chiefs secondary and caught a 58-yard touchdown that gave the Raiders a lead and gave everyone a jolt.

At that moment, eight seconds into the fourth quarter, the Raiders had outplayed the Chiefs. At Arrowhead Stadium. With O’Connell returning from injury to play his first game in over a month.

The Chiefs put together a drive into Raiders territory, though that stalled when both tackles were beaten on a third-and-goal play and Kansas City settled for a field goal and a 19-17 lead. Mahomes was visibly upset after that play, and on the next series guard Joe Thuney replaced Wanya Morris at left tackle. That’s a situation the Chiefs have to figure out before the playoffs.

The Raiders had a shot to take a late lead. They drove into Chiefs territory in the final minutes. But with 2:17 left, not facing a decent option on fourth-and-11, Carlson tried a 58-yard field goal and was well short for his third miss of the day. Carlson has been one of the best kickers in the NFL over his career, but the Chiefs caught him on what might be his worst day as a pro.

And because the Chiefs couldn’t put the game away, the Raiders had yet another chance. Bowers had a huge 25-yard catch down the middle to get the Raiders close to field-goal range, and then Jakobi Meyers and Ameer Abdullah made catches to get Las Vegas even closer. But the Raiders screwed up the shotgun snap, the Chiefs fell on it and the game was over.

The play call came in late, and with the play clock winding down, O’Connell started clapping almost as soon as the huddle broke for the snap to come quickly. The left guard tapped Powers-Johnson, who snapped it before O’Connell was ready. It bounced off O'Connell and the Chiefs fell on it to end the game.

The Chiefs haven’t played well for much of the season. But their record is still almost pristine, somehow.

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  • Chiefs clinch playoff spot

    With the win and improving to an 11–1 record, the Chiefs have clinched a playoff spot.

  • Final Stats

    Raiders: 434 yards offense

    Aidan O'Connell 340 yards, 2 TDs, 23-of-35 passing

    Brock Bowers 10 catches, 140 yards, 1 TD

    Jakobi Meyers 6 catches, 97 yards

    Sincere McCormick 12 rushes, 64 yards

    Chiefs: 329 yards offense

    Patrick Mahomes 306 yards, 1 TD, 26-of-46 passing

    * Mahomes sacked 5 times

    DeAndre Hopkins 4 catches, 90 yards

    Travis Kelce 7 catches, 68 yards

    Isiah Pacheco 7 carries, 44 yards

  • FINAL: Chiefs 19, Raiders 17

    The Raiders literally snap the ball away and the Chiefs escape with a 19–17 victory. Las Vegas wasn't in a great position with no timeouts remaining, but that didn't necessarily affect the bad snap. Did Jackson Powers-Johnson rush his snap because of the clock, however?

  • Raiders botch snap and turn it over

    Jackson Powers-Johnson snaps the ball before Aidan O'Connell is ready and it bounces off his chest. Nick Bolton recovers the fumble for the Chiefs and that is the dagger.

    Terrible way to end for the Raiders.

  • Raiders get to Chiefs' 25-yard line

    Brock Bowers strikes again, catching a 25-yard pass from Aidan O'Connell. The Raiders followed up with an 11-yard pass to Jakobi Meyers.

  • Raiders force Chiefs to punt

    Patrick Mahomes throws incomplete on a deep ball to Xavier Worthy on 3rd-and-2. Chiefs opt to punt from the Raiders' 44-yard line.

    Las Vegas takes over at its 8-yard line with 1:56 remaining and no timeouts.

  • Carlson hits grass before the ball

    Replay showed that Daniel Carlson's right foot skidded on the turf before striking the ball, which is likely why his field goal try missed.

  • Raiders stall at the 40-yard line, miss field goal

    Justin Reid knocks down an Aidan O'Connell pass on 3rd-and-11. Raiders then opt for a 58-yard attempt by Daniel Carlson, but his kick curves left and is short.

    Chiefs take over at their 48 with 2:21 remaining.

  • Brock Bowers over 100 yards receiving

    A four-yard catch by Brock Bowers puts him over the 100-yard mark. He has eight receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown.

  • 3-and-out for Kansas City

    The Raiders' defense forces Kansas City punt, tackling Samaje Perine three yards short of a first down on 3rd-and-8.

    Matt Araiza's punt goes 55 yards and Ameer Abdullah gets a 19-yard return. Las Vegas takes over at its 32-yard line with 5:15 remaining.

  • Chiefs blitz forces quick incompletion by Aidan O'Connell

    The Raiders have to punt after Aidan O'Connell has to throw the ball away quickly on a Kansas City blitz up the middle.

    AJ Cole's 55-yard punt pushes the Chiefs back to their 17-yard line with 6:46 remaining in the fourth quarter.

  • Mahomes sacked, Chiefs have to settle for field goal

    Wanya Morris lets K'Lavon Chaisson blow past him and he sacks Patrick Mahomes for a nine-yard loss on 3rd-and-goal from the 5-yard line.

    Chiefs have to settle for a field goal, but that gives them the lead at 19–17 with 9:35 remaining in the fourth quarter.

  • Chiefs on the move

    Pass interference on the Raiders' Decamerion Richardson gives the Chiefs a 26-yard gain to the Las Vegas 30-yard line.

    Patrick Mahomes follows up with a 15-yard pass to DeAndre Hopkins and Kansas City is on the move.

  • TOUCHDOWN: Raiders 17, Chiefs 16

    Just like that, the Raiders are on top. After the Chiefs go 3-and out, Las Vegas turns around and scores a TD in two plays.

    Aidan O'Connell connects with Tre Tucker streaking down the left sideline for a 58-yard score to tie the game. The Raiders take a one-point lead on the extra point.

  • TOUCHDOWN: Chiefs 16, Raiders 10

    The Raiders finally break through with a touchdown. Aidan O'Connell finds Brock Bowers for a 33-yard score, and Las Vegas is within six after the extra point.

    That followed a 35-yard field goal from the Chiefs on the previous possession.

  • Mahomes to Hopkins for 31 yards

    Kansas City might be ready to make the Raiders pay for getting no points. Patrick Mahomes connects with DeAndre Hopkins for a 31-yard gain to advance to the Las Vegas' 24-yard line.

  • Raiders threaten, but do not score

    A very promising drive for the Raiders ends with Daniel Carlson kicking a 55-yard field goal attempt wide left. Las Vegas has no points to show for the effort.

  • Brock Bowers continues his great season

    Aidan O'Connell hits rookie tight end Brock Bowers for a 29-yard gain and the Raiders are moving toward the red zone.

  • Field goal: Chiefs 13, Raiders 3

    The Chiefs can't finish off their drive with a TD, settling for a field goal. But Matthew Wright's 42-yard attempt is good and Kansas City has a 10-point lead.

  • Here comes Isiah Pacheco

    Kansas City quickly makes the Raiders regret that fourth-down decision. Isiah Pacheco rips off a 34-yard run up the middle to the Las Vegas' 14-yard line.

  • Raiders go for it on 4th & 1, but can't convert

    Las Vegas gets the ball to start the second half, and has a few bright spots in the drive — including DJ Turner's 24-yard gain off a pass from Aidan O'Connell. But the Raiders ended up on fourth-and-one, and decided to go for it. Unfortunately for Las Vegas, the Chiefs defense gets the huge stop and the Raiders turn over on downs.

  • With seconds left in the first half, Chiefs move down the field, but fall short

    Patrick Mahomes hit a 34-yard pass to DeAndre Hopkins with less than 30 seconds remaining in the half, giving the Chiefs a chance to score before halftime.

    But in an awkward end to the half, the team ran out of time. Mahomes' nine-yard pass to Noah Gray was complete, but short. The referees ruled that the catch happened at 14 seconds, but that it required a 10 second runoff, giving the Chiefs only four seconds left in the half.

    Matthew Wright went for the 59-yard field goal, but it was no good, falling short of the posts.

    The two teams head into the locker room with the Chiefs up 10-3.

  • With that touchdown, Patrick Mahomes makes history

  • Mahomes connects with Justin Watson for a touchdown

    With the first half nearly over, the Chiefs have finally made it into the end zone, with Patrick Mahomes hitting a floater and connecting with Justin Watson for the touchdown. Kansas City now has a 10-3 lead with two minutes remaining in the half.

  • Travis Kelce lateral pass!

    In a bit of trickery, Patrick Mahomes passed to Travis Kelce, who hit the lateral pass to Samaje Perine. The move gave the Chiefs a first down as Perine traversed the remaining needed yards.

  • Raiders' 56-yard field goal attempt is no good

    After a penalty pushes the Raiders into a tricky spot, kicker Daniel Carlson went for the 56-yard field goal to take the lead, but it was no good. Carlson's previous long this season was 54 yards, and, unfortunately, it will stay that way.

  • Brock Bowers flips through the air for the first down

  • Raiders return the favor, sacking Mahomes and forcing a punt

    Las Vegas defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson gets the sack, giving the Chiefs a six-yard loss on third down and forcing a punt.

    The Raiders are in good position, with DJ Turner receiving the punt and running it to the 45.

  • Huge sack from Chris Jones forces Raiders into a field goal

    Chiefs tackle Chris Jones made another crucial play, getting a sack on Aidan O'Connell on third down. The move forces Las Vegas to kick a field goal instead of the go-ahead touchdown.

    The kick is good, and it's a tie game at 3-all.

  • Aidan O'Connell kicks off the second quarter with a massive 43-yard pass to Jakobi Meyers

    The Raiders caught the Chiefs sleeping, with QB Aidan O'Connell throwing a huge pass to Jakobi Meyers for a gain of 43 yards. O'Connell connected with Meyers again on the next play for a 25-yard gain, and suddenly Las Vegas is in the red zone.

  • Chiefs forced to punt despite strong start

    The Chiefs started the drive strong, with Mahomes connecting with Travis Kelce, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Xavier Worthy in quick succession to move the ball down the field. Mahomes soon got another one to Kelce with a 24-yard pass.

    But Kansas City got stuck around midfield, largely due to penalties — picking up two false starts and a holding penalty on the drive. The Chiefs are forced to punt, and Las Vegas will get a chance to make a play before the end of the first quarter.

  • Chiefs get the ball back...after a bit of chaos

    Stuck at 3rd & 16, Aidan O'Connell's seven-yard pass to Brock Bowers wasn't enough to move the chains, so Las Vegas went for the punt...and Raiders punter AJ Cole was able to get the ball at the one. A holding penalty called on the Chiefs moved the ball further back, half the distance to the goal.

    But wait! The referees corrected the mistake, saying that it was supposed to be called on the Raiders, and Cole redid the punt...and to make it more confusing, all of this happened during the commercial break.

    So here we are. Chiefs have the ball at the 23. We're all on the same page now.

  • Kansas City settles for a field goal on the opening drive

    The Chiefs got into the red zone off a pass interference penalty, but two incomplete passes from Mahomes forced Kansas City to go for the field goal.

    Matthew Wright, who is replacing an injured Harrison Butker, nails the kick, and the Chiefs have an early 3-0 lead.

  • Isiah Pacheco is back

    Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco, who has been out for two months with a broken leg, is back on the field for Kansas City. The KC crowd gave him a hero's welcome as he got the ball, making two early runs for six yards total.

  • Patrick Mahomes' makes a classic 14-yard pass to Travis Kelce

  • And we're off!

    Will the 10-1 Chiefs get another win at home? Or will the 2-9 Raiders play spoiler?

  • Sean Leahy

    Chiefs, Raiders inactives

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