Three predictions for Kansas City Chiefs vs. Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7

The Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders are nearly set to face off in a Week 7 showdown that could have huge implications for both teams.

At 3-3, the Chiefs will look to advance their record above the .500 mark for the first time this season.

The 2-4 Raiders will look to earn a signature win under head coach Pete Carroll, who has gotten off to a slow start in his first year with Las Vegas.

Check out our staff predictions for Kansas City's Week 7 matchup against the Raiders:

Ed Easton Jr.'s prediction

The Kansas City Chiefs are hosting their first early afternoon game since last season as they take on the Las Vegas Raiders. The always competitive and entertaining matchup between the hated division rivals will likely add another intriguing chapter to the story.

The offense will have the services of wide receiver Rashee Rice for the first time this season. Patrick Mahomes, fresh off his second AFC Offensive Player of the Week award, will continue to take chances down the field. The running game will be essential again, helping to open up more explosive plays down the field, as another strong performance from Isiah Pacheco enhances the offense.

Defensively, the Chiefs will need to find a way to slow down Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty, who is quickly establishing his name as a top offensive threat. Las Vegas is building confidence off a win last week, further increasing the need for a consistent pass rush from the defensive line.

Final score: Chiefs 24, Raiders 14

Jon Ediger's prediction

Kansas City looked nearly unstoppable last week and should easily be able to build on its momentum against Las Vegas, which is an above-average team on paper, but has yet to perform consistently at a high level.

The return of wide receiver Rashee Rice is sure to provide a shot in the arm to the Chiefs' offense. Rice is likely to have a heavy workload this week and will undoubtedly be Mahomes' top target against Las Vegas. Expect the two-time MVP to take plenty of shots downfield against the Raiders' struggling secondary.

Kansas City's run defense is one of the best in the league, but it will certainly have its hands full with rookie running back Ashton Jeanty, who has turned into a serious offensive threat over the past weeks. Jeanty is adept at exploiting gaps in opposing defenses and will surely be a thorn in the side of the reigning AFC champions all game.

The Chiefs will ultimately come out on top this Sunday, but they should expect a fight.

Final score: Chiefs 31, Raiders 23

John Dillon's prediction

Kansas City should have no problem steamrolling this Raiders squad. Las Vegas has talented players on its roster, but no identity on either side of the ball.

The Chiefs have had their struggles with consistency this season, but Kansas City's losses have come against competent opponents who executed well in all four quarters. I don't think the Raiders are particularly competent, and I am not counting on Las Vegas' "ability to execute" blowing me away in one quarter of today's game, let alone all four.

This matchup has all the makings of a potential blowout, but fans should expect Andy Reid to take his foot off the gas early to avoid showing up Pete Carroll at Arrowhead Stadium.

Final score: Chiefs 29, Raiders 12

This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs vs. Raiders: Three predictions for AFC West showdown in Week 7