The highly anticipated showdown between the (7-3) Kansas City Chiefs and the (5-6) Las Vegas Raiders is set to take place this Sunday at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada. This rivalry, which dates back decades, will mark the 129th meeting between these two storied teams. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:25 PM Arrowhead time.

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Chiefs entered the weekend as 8.5-point favorites, reflecting their dominance in this head-to-head matchup since the rise of quarterback Patrick Mahomes. However, the Raiders have shown resilience under interim coach Antonio Pierce, winning two out of three games since the departure of head coach Josh McDaniels.

As the football world eagerly awaits this AFC West battle, here are five crucial factors to watch:

1. The Status of Maxx Crosby
Defensive end Maxx Crosby, the standout player for the Raiders, is listed as doubtful for the game due to a knee injury. This could potentially be the first game he misses in his illustrious five-year career, and his absence would be a significant blow to the Raiders' defense. Crosby's speed and playmaking ability make him a constant threat on the field, and the Chiefs' offensive coordinator, Matt Nagy, has emphasized the need to neutralize his impact.

2. Davante Adams vs. L'Jarius Sneed
Wide receiver Davante Adams has been a primary target for the Raiders' quarterbacks this season. The Chiefs' defense, led by cornerbacks L'Jarius Sneed and Trent McDuffie, will aim to shut down Adams and prevent him from making significant plays. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has expressed confidence in Sneed's ability to handle the challenge, although both cornerbacks will rotate to ensure coverage on Adams.

3. Limiting Josh Jacobs' Ground Game
With the uncertainty surrounding Adams, the Raiders will likely rely heavily on running back Josh Jacobs to establish a strong ground game. Jacobs, who leads the NFL in rushing attempts, has been instrumental in keeping the Raiders' offense ahead of the sticks. The Chiefs' defense will need to maintain strong run defense to prevent Jacobs from gaining momentum.

4. Chiefs' Pass Offense Finding Consistency
The Chiefs' offense has excelled in building early leads but has struggled to maintain momentum in the second half. Against a solid Raiders' run defense, the Chiefs may need to rely on their pass offense to finish the game strong. The Raiders' defense has performed well against the run, and the Chiefs will look to their passing game to overcome this challenge.

5. Special Teams Execution
The Chiefs' special teams unit, with the exception of kicker Harrison Butker, has not met expectations this season. This week, they face a formidable opponent in the Raiders, who are ranked number one in special teams. Special teams coordinator Dave Toub has highlighted the talented returner DeAndre Carter and the impressive punting of A.J. Cole as areas of concern. The Chiefs' special teams must rise to the occasion and make a positive impact in this crucial matchup.

As the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders prepare to clash on Sunday, the outcome of this game could have significant implications for the playoff race in the AFC West. Both teams will be looking to secure a vital victory and assert their dominance in this age-old rivalry.