The Kansas City Chiefs pulled off a dramatic 19-17 win over the Las Vegas Raiders in a thrilling Week 13 Black Friday matchup, improving their record to 11-1. Despite the victory, the game exposed some lingering issues that the Chiefs will need to address as the playoffs draw closer.
In the closing moments, the Raiders had a chance to tie the game with a field goal, but rookie center Jackson Powers-Johnson’s premature snap on third down led to a fumble, which Chiefs defenders quickly recovered, dashing the Raiders’ hopes of a comeback.
Despite the Chiefs’ win, their offense struggled to find consistency, requiring significant effort for every yard gained. Tight end Travis Kelce had a solid outing with seven receptions for 68 yards, including a creative lateral pass to Samaje Perine for a key first down. However, the Chiefs’ offensive difficulties were apparent, and quarterback Patrick Mahomes reflected on the need for improvement after the game.
“We’re not satisfied with where we’re at even though we’re winning football games,” Mahomes said. “Our goal over these last few games is to prove we are the team we believe we really are going into the playoffs.”
The game also had some star-studded moments, as Kelce’s girlfriend, Taylor Swift, was in the stands with her father, Scott Swift, and Kelce’s mother, Donna Kelce, supporting him. Despite the excitement, Kelce himself was subdued after the win, opting not to speak with reporters.
However, Kelce did take a moment to congratulate Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and actress Hailee Steinfeld on their recent engagement. Allen had shared the news on Instagram, and Kelce responded with a heartfelt, “Congratulations!!!” Steinfeld, a friend of Swift’s, had previously worked with the pop star on the iconic “Bad Blood” music video, adding a touch of Hollywood flair to the NFL scene.
Although the Chiefs have officially clinched a playoff spot and remain at the top of the AFC standings, their recent performances have revealed some vulnerabilities. Both the offense and defense have areas in need of improvement, a point that Patrick Mahomes himself acknowledged.
