Time Update: Las Vegas Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium — Kickoff Time Confirmed

 Posted December 30, 2025

The Las Vegas Raiders — coming off a tough 34–10 loss to the New York Giants in Week 17 — are preparing for their Week 18 regular‑season finale this Sunday, January 4, 2026, when they host the

Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

With both teams eliminated from playoff contention and odds favoring the visitors, this game will be a pride matchup and a chance for the Raiders to finish their difficult season on a competitive note. 

🔍 Key Matchups & Storylines

Raiders’ Offense vs. Chiefs’ Defense
Las Vegas’ offense — led by quarterback Geno Smith — will look to find rhythm against a Kansas City defense that has shown vulnerability this season. The Raiders must

protect the football, avoid negative plays, and get consistent third‑down conversions to keep drives alive. Without many playoff implications, finding early offensive momentum could build confidence for the young core. 

Raiders’ Defense vs. Chiefs’ Offense
Defensively, the Raiders must bring pressure and limit explosive plays. Kansas City’s offense — even without injured star quarterback Patrick Mahomes — still features playmakers who can strike quickly if given space. Las Vegas’ pass rush and coverage units will need to

disrupt timing, force quick decisions, and aim for turnovers to shift field position and game flow. 

Roster & Injury Notes

The Raiders have dealt with personnel setbacks all season; tight end

Brock Bowers and safety Jeremy Chinn are on season‑ending IR, which has tested depth on both sides of the ball. Despite the challenges, Las Vegas will look to close the season with effort and resilience in front of the home crowd. 

⚙️ X‑Factors

• Geno Smith’s decision‑making & leadership — Avoiding turnovers and managing game flow will be crucial.

• Offensive line performance — Protection and establishing a run/pass balance can sustain drives.

• Defensive pressure & turnovers — Getting stops and takeaways could tilt field position.

• Home‑field energy & pride — Playing for pride against a division rival may lift effort levels.

📆 Official Game Info

• Date: Sunday, January 4, 2026

• Kickoff Time: 1:25 PM Pacific Time (PT) / 4:25 PM Eastern Time (ET)

• Venue: Allegiant Stadium — Las Vegas, Nevada — Raiders at home vs Kansas City Chiefs

   

  

🧨 Prediction

This game may be more about pride, roster evaluation, and momentum heading into the 2026 offseason than standings. If the Raiders can protect the football, sustain their offensive drives, and generate pressure on defense, they could make this contest competitive — especially in front of the home crowd.

Predicted Final Score: Chiefs 27, Raiders 20

Expect a physical divisional rivalry battle where execution, discipline, and key situational football could decide the outcome.