Chiefs escape with win after Raiders fumble on final drive

After delivering coal to the Chiefs in their Christmas trip to Arrowhead last year, the Raiders decided to gift Kansas City a win to kick off this year’s holiday season.

The Raiders managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, turning the ball over with just 11 seconds remaining. After marching into field goal range, the second-half comeback officially fell short, as Kansas City hung on for a 19-17 win on Black Friday.

The game might’ve involved Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, but Amazon was probably checking the NFL’s return policy for most of the first half after being dealt a second Black Friday dud in as many years. Kansas City held a 10-3 lead following a sleepy opening 30 minutes, as both teams played like they had too much turkey on Thanksgiving.

Aidan O’Connell woke Las Vegas up in the second half, giving his team the lead with a pair of touchdowns to Brock Bowers and Tre Tucker. That gave the Chiefs a good scare, who required four field goals from Matthew Wright to win on Friday.

Inefficiencies in the red zone and an overall disjointed offense continue to plague Andy Reid’s team. Mahomes was visibly frustrated for most of the afternoon, especially as the protection in front of him broke down. The quarterback was continuously under pressure, making for some uncomfortable pockets in the second half.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

Despite that, Mahomes broke the franchise record for passing touchdowns with a second-quarter pass to Justin Watson, giving him 238 for his career, one more than Len Dawson. Kansas City became the first team in 2024 to clinch a playoff spot but has plenty of work to do if they want to represent the AFC again at the Super Bowl in February.

Here’s a look at how the action unfolded on Friday.

USA TODAY Sports provided live updates, highlights and more from the Black Friday matchup between the Chiefs and Raiders below. All times are Eastern.

Chiefs-Raiders final score: Chiefs escape after Raiders botch final seconds

The Raiders appeared to be setting themselves up for a game-winning field goal try but failed in the final seconds. Instead, the Chiefs escaped with a 19-17 victory thanks to the Raiders confusion along the offensive line.

Chiefs 19, Raiders 17

Raiders lose a fumble, Chiefs take over

Well, you are what your record says you are. The record says the Raiders are a bad football team, and the final sequence solidified it. After driving into field goal range, Las Vegas had to avoid disaster for one play and couldn’t do it. Jackson Powers-Johnson snapped the ball on third down before O’Connell was ready, and the Chiefs recovered. Mahomes takes a knee and that’ll do it from Kansas City.

Chiefs opt to punt on fourth-and-2 with 2:03 remaining

The Raiders’ defense does its job and forces a Chiefs’ punt. It’s slightly surprising that the Chiefs didn’t opt to go for it and put the game away since a field goal wins the game for Las Vegas. The Chiefs will rely on their defense, perhaps an indictment of their disjointed offense today. Aidan O’Connell and the Raiders take over at their own eight-yard line and will have 1:56 and no timeouts to work with.

Daniel Carlson misses 58-yard FG attempt

Watching Carlson miss from 55 and 56 yards wasn’t enough for Antonio Pierce, who then sent his kicker out for a 58-yard try for the lead. Predictably, that kick was no good, as Carlson came up short, and now the Raiders will have to burn some timeouts and get a stop if they want the ball back.

Chiefs-Raiders score: Matthew Wright puts Kansas City back in front

Stop us if you’ve heard this before: Matthew Wright has made a field goal. Again. It’s his fourth make of the game, this time from 32 yards. The Chiefs will walk away disappointed with the outcome as Patrick Mahomes was sacked for a fifth time, this time by K’Lavon Chaisson, who is up to 2.5 sacks on the afternoon. With 9:53 to go, Las Vegas can retake the lead with just a field goal.

Chiefs 19, Raiders 17

Chiefs-Raiders score: O’Connell connects with Tre Tucker to give Raiders the lead

Just like that, Las Vegas has the lead. O’Connell hits the speedy Tre Tucker down the sideline for a 58-yard touchdown, giving the Raiders a one-point lead after Carlson adds the extra point. The Raiders must have a favorite barbecue spot in Kansas City, considering their recent run of success at Arrowhead.

Raiders 17, Chiefs 16

End of third quarter: Raiders driving

The game changed at the end of the third quarter as the Raiders finally broke through with a touchdown and got another stop on defense. Now the Chiefs have some soul-searching to do, as the Raiders can take the lead with a touchdown. They have it on their own 42-yard line to open the fourth quarter.

Chiefs-Raiders score: Brock Bowers hauls in 33-yard TD

Kansas City failed to put Vegas away and now this game has flipped with 1:30 to go in the third. The Raiders take advantage of the great kickoff return, and O’Connell finds Bowers for the 33-yard score.

Chiefs 16, Raiders 10

Ameer Abdullah 69-yard kickoff return sets Raiders up in Chiefs territory

On the ensuing kickoff, Abdullah gets in on the action by taking the kick 69 yards to the Chiefs’ 23-yard line. Vegas will look to capitalize on this return with a touchdown to get back in the game.

Chiefs-Raiders score: Matthew Wright tacks on three more

Something is off with these Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes missed Travis Kelce in the end zone, and Wright trotted on for another field goal try. He puts it through from 35 yards out, stretching the lead to 13. Perhaps they’ll flip the switch in the playoffs, but the Week 13 returns are not great yet.

Chiefs 16, Raiders 3

Daniel Carlson misses a 55-yard FG try

The one-handed catch from Bowers goes to waste as Aidan O’Connell takes a sack, making Carlson’s field goal attempt more difficult. The kicker hooks it left from 55 yards away, keeping this a 10-point game.

Chiefs 13, Raiders 3

DJ Turner injury update: Raiders WR exits with leg injury

Turner exited with an ugly-looking leg injury on a kickoff return in the third quarter. He was down on the ground for a bit and eventually helped off the field by the training staff. The Raiders have deemed him questionable to return.

Must-see play: Brock Bowers makes one-handed snag

The Raiders don’t have much to be excited about this season, but they do have tight end Brock Bowers. Think of it as ruining the turkey but nailing your favorite side dish on Thanksgiving. It won’t save the meal, but it’s much better than going hungry on the holiday. Here’s a look at the one-handed catch he hauled in for 29 yards.

Chiefs-Raiders score: Matthew Wright gives Kansas City a 10-point lead

The Chiefs take advantage of the Raiders turnover on downs and turn that into a 42-yard field goal from Matthew Wright. Offense remains difficult for both sides, but K.C. has taken a two-score lead. There might be 8:40 to go in the third, but Vegas will need to get going quickly if they want to have a chance today.

Chiefs 13, Raiders 3

What is the NFL’s ‘My cause, My cleats’ initiative?

The NFL forgoes the uniform policy regarding players’ cleats in Weeks 13 and 14, allowing players to wear customized cleats to support charitable causes. Players can pick whatever cause is important to them and honor the cause without fear of NFL fines for these two weeks. Here’s a look at what some of the players are rocking with for today’s game.

Raiders stuffed on fourth down on opening drive of second half

Las Vegas came out of halftime with a little more jump, moving the ball easily. They go 44 yards in eight plays, taking 3:15 off the clock, but come up short on a fourth-and-one at the K.C. 31-yard line to hand the ball back to the Chiefs without doing any damage on the scoreboard.

Chiefs franchise record for passing TDs: Patrick Mahomes passes Len Dawson with first half touchdown

When Mahomes tossed a touchdown to Justin Watson, he gave the Chiefs a 10-3 lead and also set the Chiefs’ franchise record for most passing touchdowns with 238. He passed Len Dawson, who had 237.

Chiefs lead the Raiders by seven at halftime

The first half of this game can be best summarized by Kansas City having Matthew Wright attempt a 59-yard field goal before heading to the locker rooms. As expected, the kick fell short, but fans were robbed of a hilarious Auburn-style return as the Chiefs prevented any damage with a tackle from punter Matt Araiza, the holder on the field goal attempt. Despite their record, the Raiders are hanging around at Arrowhead once again.

Chiefs 10, Raiders 3

Chiefs-Raiders score: Patrick Mahomes finds Justin Watson for the game’s first TD

With 2:14 in the first half, Mahomes and the Chiefs finally break through. Justin Watson hauls in the six-yard touchdown pass to give Kansas City a 10-3 lead. Chiefs 10, Raiders 3

Must-see play: Travis Kelce laterals to Samaje Perine for the first down

Kansas City is trying to add flair to this first-half snooze fest as Travis Kelce comes through with some razzle dazzle on a third-and-10. Patrick Mahomes tosses one to Kelce, who pitches it to Perine for the first down. Take a look.

Daniel Carlson misses FG from 56 yards

After forcing another stop on defense, the Raiders get the ball back and drive into Kansas City territory. On fourth-and-four, they settle for a 56-yard field goal, but Carlson’s try comes up short and the Chiefs take over around midfield with 5:55 to go in the first half. The Raiders have managed 131 total yards to the Chiefs’ 100.

Chiefs-Raiders score: Las Vegas ties it up with Daniel Carlson FG

The Jakobi Meyer’s drive ends the moment the Raiders go away from him. The wide receiver is already up to five catches and 86 yards, but the Raiders have to settle for three when the drive stalls inside the K.C. 10-yard line. Daniel Carlson knocks through a 27-yard field goal, getting us right back to where we started. It’s a new game with 11:03 to go in the first half.

End of first quarter: Chiefs lead by three

Unlike your Amazon shopping cart today, very little happened in the first quarter. Kansas City is moving the ball but can’t get more than a field goal. Referee Clay Martin’s crew looks like they’re paying tribute to the United Nations, with flags flying like crazy in the first 15 minutes.

Raiders pick up a first down, forced to punt after penalty

Vegas’ first drive ends without incident as the Raiders muster up just one first down. Aidan O’Connell is back under center, but Antonio Pierce’s team just isn’t equipped to overcome holding penalties that put them behind the sticks. AJ Cole does his job though, or so we thought. He dropped a 58-yard punt at the one-yard line. The referee, Clay Martin, initially indicated the holding penalty was against K.C., but it was actually against Las Vegas.

Coming out of the commercial break, it was revealed that the Raiders re-kicked, and the Chiefs will start at the 23-yard line. Prime Video’s broadcast revealed that the mishap was simply an administrative error on the referee’s part.

Who is the Chiefs kicker? Matthew Wright takes over for injured Spencer Shrader, Harrison Butker

The Chiefs signed Matthew Wright as the team’s kicker for their matchup with the Raiders, thanks to injuries that are mounting for K.C.’s kickers in 2024. After Butker was forced onto IR with a knee injury, Kansas City signed Shrader off the Jets’ practice squad. He stepped in and made all three field goal attempts and three extra points but suffered a hamstring injury in the process. After missing practice all week, the Chiefs turned to Wright, who kicked for them when Butker was injured in 2022.

Chiefs-Raiders score: Kansas City settles for FG after long drive stalls

Matthew Wright knocks through the 25-yard attempt to give the Chiefs the early lead. K.C. takes 13 plays to travel 66 yards and eats 4:54 off the clock. Travis Kelce was involved early and often, collecting two catches on three targets for 20 yards. Chiefs 3, Raiders 0

Isiah Pacheco return: Chiefs’ RB back in the lineup

Pacheco, the angry runner out of Rutgers, is back in the lineup for the first time since Week 2. After missing nine games, his aggression is already being celebrated by Chiefs kingdom. He picks up four yards on his first carry as the crowd gives him a nice ovation.

Chiefs vs. Raiders start time

Start time: 3 p.m. ET (2 p.m. CT)
Date: Friday, Nov. 29

The Chiefs and Raiders are set to kick off at 3 p.m. ET on Black Friday. Las Vegas will head to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium to take on the Chiefs.

Chiefs vs. Raiders TV channel

Live stream: Amazon Prime Video 
Local TV: KSHB-TV 41 (Kansas City market) | KTNV 13 (Las Vegas market)

The NFL Black Friday game will exclusively stream on Amazon Prime Video for national viewers. For those in the Chiefs TV market, KSHB-TV 41 will air the game. In Las Vegas, viewers can tune to ABC.

Chiefs vs. Raiders picks, predictions

Here’s how the USA TODAY Sports staff feels the Chiefs vs. Raiders matchup will play out on Black Friday:

Lorenzo Reyes: Chiefs 26, Raiders 19
Tyler Dragon: Chiefs 27, Raiders 17
Richard Morin: Chiefs 25, Raiders 21
Jordan Mendoza: Chiefs 30, Raiders 10

Chiefs vs. Raiders odds, moneyline, over/under 

The Chiefs are favorites to defeat the Raiders, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Not interested in this game? Check out expert picks and best bets for every NFL game this week. 

Spread: Chiefs (-13) 
Moneyline: Chiefs (-750); Raiders (+525) 
Over/under: 42.5 

Chiefs vs. Raiders live stream 

Live stream: Amazon Prime Video 

The Chiefs-Raiders Black Friday matchup will be available exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.  

Stream the Black Friday game on Amazon Prime Video

4th & Monday: Our NFL newsletter always brings the blitz   

Do you like football? Then you’ll enjoy getting our NFL newsletter delivered to your inbox.   

Get the latest news, expert analysis, game insights and the must-see moments from the NFL conveniently delivered to your email inbox. Sign up now!  

Who is the highest-paid NFL player?  

The NFL’s top 18 players in average annual salary are all quarterbacks, according to OverTheCap.com. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott became the league’s highest-paid player before the 2024 season, agreeing to a four-year, $240 million deal. Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is the first non-quarterback on the highest-paid list after striking a four-year, $140 million contract extension this offseason.  

Chiefs Inactives vs. Raiders

Raiders Inactives vs. Chiefs

Who are the highest paid NFL players at each position? 

We have a complete list at every position:  

Quarterbacks 
Running backs 
Wide receivers 
Tight ends 
Offensive tackles 
Offensive guards 
Centers 
Edge rushers 
Interior defensive linemen 
Linebackers 
Cornerbacks 
Safeties 
Kickers 
Punters 

Oldest players in NFL in 2024 

Just four players in 2024 NFL player pool surpass 40 years old: Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Bears tight end Marcedes Lewis, Rams kicker Matt Prater and Titans kicker Nick Folk. 

Only Rodgers will turn 41 during the season, with a birthday coming the first week in December. 

Here’s the full list of the top 11 oldest players in football: 

QB Aaron Rodgers, Jets: 40 years old (Dec. 2, 1983) 
TE Marcedes Lewis, Bears: 40 years old (May 19, 1984) 
K Matt Prater, Rams: 40 years old (Aug. 10, 1984) 
K Nick Folk, Titans: 40 years old (Nov. 5, 1984) 
QB Joe Flacco, Colts: 39 years old (Jan. 16, 1985) 
C/LS J.J. Jansen, Panthers: 38 years old (Jan. 20, 1986) 
C/LS Jon Weeks, Texans: 38 years old (Feb. 17, 1986) 
P Thomas Morstead, Jets: 38 years old (March 8, 1986) 
C/LS Morgan Cox, Titans: 38 years old (April 26, 1986) 
QB Josh Johnson, Ravens: 38 years old (May 15, 1986) 
DL Calais Campbell, Dolphin: 38 years old (September 1, 1986) 

Which NFL team has the most Super Bowl wins? 

The Steelers are tied with the New England Patriots for the most Super Bowl wins with six. 

Pittsburgh and Dallas have the unique distinction of playing each other more than any other team combination in Super Bowl history with three matchups. 

NFL draft 2025 order entering Chiefs vs. Raiders

Here’s how the first round of the 2025 NFL draft will stack up entering the Black Friday game: 

New York Giants: 2-10; .522 strength of schedule
Jacksonville Jaguars: 2-9 record; .478 SOS
Las Vegas Raiders: 2-9; .536 SOS
New England Patriots: 3-9; .482 SOS
Carolina Panthers: 3-8; .456 SOS
Cleveland Browns: 3-8; .464 SOS
New York Jets: 3-8; .516 SOS
Tennessee Titans: 3-8; .563 SOS
Chicago Bears: 4-8; .507 SOS
Cincinnati Bengals: 4-7; .492 SOS
New Orleans Saints: 4-7; .520 SOS
Miami Dolphins: 5-7; .456 SOS
Dallas Cowboys: 5-7; .522 SOS
Indianapolis Colts: 5-7; .558 SOS
San Francisco 49ers: 5-6; .540 SOS
Los Angeles Rams: 5-6; .548 SOS
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5-6; .595 SOS
Seattle Seahawks: 6-5; .508 SOS
Atlanta Falcons: 6-5; .537 SOS
Arizona Cardinals: 6-5; .563 SOS
Washington Commanders: 7-5; .431 SOS
Denver Broncos: 7-5; .481 SOS
Houston Texans: 7-5; .489 SOS
Los Angeles Chargers: 7-4; .472 SOS
Baltimore Ravens: 8-4; .526 SOS
Pittsburgh Steelers: 8-3; .433 SOS
Green Bay Packers: 9-3; .518 SOS
Philadelphia Eagles: 9-2; .416 SOS
Minnesota Vikings: 9-2; .441 SOS
Buffalo Bills: 9-2; .476 SOS
Kansas City Chiefs: 10-1; .488 SOS
Detroit Lions: 11-1; .482 SOS

AFC West standings 

The Chiefs sit comfortably at the top of the AFC West entering Week 13. Here’s how the division stacks up: 

Chiefs (10-1) 
Chargers (7-4) 
Broncos (7-5) 
Raiders (2-9) 

Isiah Pacheco injury update 

The Chiefs running back is off the injury report and is set to play on Friday vs. the Raiders. Pacheco suffered a leg injury in Week 2 and has been on the shelf since then. He’s expected to be a ‘full-go.’

Is Taylor Swift at the Chiefs game?

The pop superstar will be in attendance to cheer on her boyfriend, Travis Kelce. She arrived alongside Donna Kelce an hour and a half before kick-off.

Where is Chiefs vs. Raiders? 

The Raiders travel to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium to take on the Chiefs. 

Chiefs vs. Raiders weather updates 

Full list of highest-paid NFL players 

Across all metrics, the top-10 highest-paid players in the NFL are all quarterbacks. Here’s how the breakdown looks by AAV, guarantees, and total contract value this season. 

AAV 

Dak Prescott, Cowboys: $60 million 
Joe Burrow, Bengals: $55 million 
Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars: $55 million 
Jordan Love, Packers: $55 million 
Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins: $53.1 million 
Jared Goff, Lions: $53 million 
Justin Herbert, Chargers: $52.5 million 
Lamar Jackson, Ravens: $52 million 
Jalen Hurts, Eagles: $51 million 
Kyler Murray, Cardinals: $46.1 million 

Guaranteed money 

Dak Prescott, Cowboys: $231 million 
Deshaun Watson, Browns: $230 million 
Joe Burrow, Bengals: $219.01 million 
Justin Herbert, Chargers: $218.74 million 
Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars: $200 million 
Lamar Jackson, Ravens: $185 million 
Jalen Hurts, Eagles: $179.4 million 
Jared Goff: $170.61 million 
Tua Tagovailoa: $167.17 million 
Jordan Love: $160.3 million 

Total contract value 

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs: $450 million 
Joe Burrow, Bengals: $275 million 
Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars: $275 million 
Justin Herbert, Chargers: $262.5 million 
Lamar Jackson, Ravens: $260 million 
Josh Allen, Bills: $258.04 million 
Jalen Hurts, Eagles: $255 million 
Dak Prescott, Cowboys: $240 million 
Kyler Murray, Cardinals: $230.5 million 
Deshaun Watson, Browns: $230 million 

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is the highest-paid non-quarterback by AAV at $35 million per year and San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa is the highest-paid non-quarterback by total value at $170 million.

AFC playoff picture

Here’s how the AFC playoff picture stacks up entering Week 13. 

In the playoffs: 

Kansas City Chiefs (10-1) 
Buffalo Bills (9-2) 
Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3) 
Houston Texans (7-5) 
Baltimore Ravens (8-4) 
Los Angeles Chargers (7-4) 
Denver Broncos (7-5) 

In the hunt: 

Indianapolis Colts (5-7) 
Miami Dolphins (5-7) 
Cincinnati Bengals (4-7) 
Cleveland Browns (3-8) 
New York Jets (3-8) 
Tennessee Titans (3-8) 
New England Patriots (3-9) 
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9) 
Las Vegas Raiders (2-9)

Eliminated: 

No AFC teams have been eliminated yet. 

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage. 

This post appeared first on USA TODAY