Las Vegas Raiders vs Kansas City Chiefs match player stats from their January 4, 2026 showdown reveal an instant classic.
The Raiders stunned the Chiefs 14-12 in a defensive battle at Allegiant Stadium, ending their 10-game losing streak.
Daniel Carlson’s career-best 60-yard field goal with 8 seconds remaining sealed the dramatic victory. Both teams combined for zero touchdowns in a game dominated by kickers Harrison Butker (4 FGs) and Carlson (4 FGs).
The Raiders recorded a season-high 8 sacks while the Chiefs managed 3 sacks in this AFC West clash.
Las Vegas Raiders vs Kansas City Chiefs Match Player Stats
| Category | Las Vegas Raiders | Kansas City Chiefs |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 14 | 12 |
| First Downs | 12 | 10 |
| Total Yards | 204 | 168 |
| Passing Yards | 86 (net) | 84 (net) |
| Rushing Yards | 118 | 84 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 2 |
| Sacks | 8 | 3 |
| Time of Possession | 30:44 | 29:16 |
| Field Goals Made | 4/4 (100%) | 4/4 (100%) |
| Penalties | 2-10 | 7-45 |
Game Overview and Final Score
The Las Vegas Raiders defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 14-12 on January 4, 2026, in Week 18 at Allegiant Stadium. This marked the Raiders’ first victory over the Chiefs at their home stadium since moving to Las Vegas.
The game was decided in the final seconds when Daniel Carlson drilled a career-long 60-yard field goal. This dramatic finish ended Las Vegas’s 10-game losing streak and 11-game skid against AFC West opponents.
Both teams entered the game with losing records—Raiders at 2-14 and Chiefs at 6-10. Neither team had much to play for, but the game provided several young players opportunities to showcase their talents.
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring Breakdown
First Quarter
The Chiefs struck first with a Harrison Butker 36-yard field goal at 5:03 remaining in Q1. Kansas City dominated field position early, holding a 3-0 lead after the opening period.
Neither offense found rhythm in the opening quarter. Both defenses established physical play that would characterize the entire game, with multiple three-and-outs forced.
The Raiders managed only 26 total yards in the first quarter. The Chiefs controlled possession but couldn’t convert drives into touchdowns, settling for the field goal.
Second Quarter
Daniel Carlson tied the game 3-3 with a 32-yard field goal at 7:24 in the second quarter. The Raiders showed improvement on offense, stringing together a productive drive.
Carlson added another 23-yard field goal at 1:56 before halftime, giving Las Vegas a 6-3 advantage. The Raiders defense stiffened, preventing Kansas City from responding.
The half ended with Las Vegas ahead 6-3. Both teams combined for just 9 total points through two quarters in this defensive struggle.
Third Quarter
Harrison Butker tied the game 6-6 with a 40-yard field goal at 4:16 remaining in Q3. The third quarter featured minimal scoring as both defenses continued to dominate.
Neither team could establish consistent offensive rhythm. Punters were the busiest players, with multiple three-and-out series for both squads.
The Raiders and Chiefs each managed only 3 points in the third quarter. The game remained deadlocked heading into the crucial final period.
Fourth Quarter
The fourth quarter delivered all the drama. Daniel Carlson gave Las Vegas a 9-6 lead with a 55-yard field goal at 13:21 remaining.
Tyree Wilson sacked Shane Buechele in the end zone for a safety at 4:42, extending the Raiders lead to 11-6. This defensive play proved crucial in the tight contest.
Harrison Butker connected on a 47-yard field goal at 3:37, then a 41-yarder at 1:05 to give Kansas City a 12-11 lead. The Chiefs appeared poised for victory.
Daniel Carlson had other plans, nailing the game-winning 60-yard field goal with just 13 seconds remaining. The stunning kick gave Las Vegas the 14-12 victory.
Las Vegas Raiders Offensive Statistics
Passing Performance
The Raiders struggled through the air, completing only 11 of 26 attempts for 105 yards. Quarterback Aidan O’Connell managed a meager 42.3% completion percentage with no touchdowns and 1 interception.
The passing attack generated a dismal 38.1 passer rating. O’Connell was sacked 3 times for 19 yards in losses, constantly under pressure from the Chiefs defense.
The longest pass completion was 23 yards. The Raiders managed only 5 first downs through the air, unable to sustain drives consistently.
Rushing Attack
Las Vegas rushed for 118 yards on 32 carries, averaging 3.7 yards per attempt. The ground game provided more consistency than the passing attack, though neither was particularly effective.
The longest run gained 12 yards. The Raiders generated 5 first downs on the ground, matching their passing first downs total.
Running backs accumulated 48 yards after contact. The offensive line created some running lanes despite the overall offensive struggles throughout the game.
Total Offense
The Raiders totaled 204 yards of offense on 61 plays. They averaged only 3.3 yards per play, well below the NFL average.
Las Vegas converted on limited third downs, punting 6 times for 307 yards. They maintained possession for 30:44, slightly more than Kansas City.
The offense committed 2 turnovers—1 interception and 1 fumble. These mistakes nearly cost them the game before Carlson’s heroics.
Kansas City Chiefs Offensive Statistics
Passing Numbers
The Chiefs quarterbacks completed 18 of 31 passes for 146 yards with no touchdowns. Chris Oladokun started before giving way to Shane Buechele in the second half.
Buechele completed 7 of 14 passes for 88 yards. Oladokun was 11 of 17 for 58 yards before being replaced.
The Chiefs were sacked a devastating 8 times for 62 yards. The Raiders defense dominated the line of scrimmage, constantly disrupting Kansas City’s passing game.
Ground Game
Kansas City rushed for 84 yards on 23 attempts, averaging 3.7 yards per carry. Brashard Smith, making his first career start, gained 56 yards on 12 carries.
The longest rush went for 14 yards. The Chiefs generated 4 first downs rushing, unable to establish ground dominance.
The running backs accumulated 34 yards after contact. Kansas City’s offensive line struggled to open consistent running lanes against Las Vegas’s aggressive front.
Overall Offensive Production
The Chiefs totaled 168 yards on 62 plays, averaging just 2.7 yards per play. They managed only 10 first downs in the entire game.
Kansas City punted 6 times for 308 yards. They held possession for 29:16, slightly less than the Raiders.
The Chiefs committed 2 turnovers—2 fumbles. Penalties also hurt, with 7 infractions costing 45 yards throughout the contest.
Las Vegas Raiders Defensive Dominance
Sack Performance
The Raiders defensive line recorded a season-high 8 sacks for 62 yards. Tyree Wilson led the charge with 2 sacks, including the crucial fourth-quarter safety.
The defensive front constantly pressured Kansas City’s quarterbacks. The 8 sacks represented the most by Las Vegas all season, coming at the perfect time.
Wilson also forced 2 fumbles in addition to his sacks. His performance was the highlight of the Raiders’ defensive effort.
Tackles and Stops
Las Vegas recorded 42 solo tackles and 17 assists for 59 combined tackles. The defense played aggressively, limiting big plays.
The Raiders forced 7 tackles for loss totaling 46 yards. They consistently penetrated the backfield to disrupt Kansas City’s offense.
Las Vegas forced 5 three-and-outs. The defense kept the Chiefs offense off-balance throughout the game.
Pass Defense
The Raiders defended 5 passes and recorded 1 interception. The secondary played tight coverage despite missing key players.
Las Vegas applied pressure on 6 blitzes. They registered 14 quarterback hits, constantly harassing Chiefs signal-callers.
The defense batted down 4 passes at the line of scrimmage. This disruptive play prevented several potential completions.
Kansas City Chiefs Defensive Performance
Defensive Line Production
The Chiefs recorded 3 sacks for 19 yards. Chris Jones added 2 sacks to his season total, giving him 86.5 career sacks for third in franchise history.
Kansas City forced 8 tackles for loss totaling 26 yards. The defensive line played physically despite the team’s disappointing season.
The Chiefs forced 3 three-and-outs. They prevented several Raiders drives from gaining momentum.
Secondary and Coverage
Kansas City’s secondary defended 7 passes. They did not record any interceptions but played competitive coverage.
The Chiefs applied pressure on 14 blitzes, more than double the Raiders. They registered 5 quarterback hits.
Kansas City forced 2 fourth-down stops. The defense kept the game close despite offensive struggles.
Overall Defensive Stats
The Chiefs recorded 32 solo tackles and 28 assists for 60 combined tackles. The defense matched the Raiders’ physical intensity.
Kansas City forced 1 fumble but didn’t recover it. They missed 3 tackles, generally tackling well in space.
The defense allowed 204 total yards. They kept Las Vegas’s offense in check but couldn’t force enough turnovers.
Special Teams Performance
Kicking Excellence
Both kickers performed flawlessly. Daniel Carlson made all 4 field goal attempts for Las Vegas, including kicks of 23, 32, 55, and the game-winning 60 yards.
Harrison Butker matched Carlson’s perfection, converting all 4 attempts for Kansas City. His makes came from 36, 40, 41, and 47 yards.
Carlson’s 60-yarder was a career-long, surpassing his previous best of 57 yards. The clutch kick under pressure showcased his mental toughness.
Punting Battle
Both teams punted 6 times in this field position battle. Las Vegas punter averaged 51.2 yards per punt with a long of 56 yards.
Kansas City’s punter averaged 51.3 yards per attempt with a 59-yard long. Both punters placed 2-3 kicks inside the 20-yard line.
Net punting averages were nearly identical—49.0 for Las Vegas and 47.2 for Kansas City. Field position played a crucial role throughout.
Return Game
Las Vegas averaged 27.5 yards on 6 kick returns with a long of 34 yards. The Raiders gained 25 total punt return yards.
Kansas City managed only 13 punt return yards on 4 attempts. The Chiefs had no kick returns as all kickoffs resulted in touchbacks.
Neither team scored on returns. The return game was largely neutralized by strong coverage units.
Key Individual Performances
Daniel Carlson (Raiders Kicker)
Carlson delivered the performance of a lifetime. His 4-for-4 field goal day included a career-long 60-yarder with 8 seconds remaining for the win.
The pending free agent may have earned a new contract with this clutch performance. His previous career-long was 57 yards before Sunday’s game-winner.
“For all the guys in the locker room, it’s been a tough season,” Carlson said. “There’s no way around that, but to end it like this, I think it was really cool.”
Tyree Wilson (Raiders DE)
Wilson dominated with 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and the crucial fourth-quarter safety. His safety gave Las Vegas an 11-6 lead at a critical moment.
The defensive end’s performance highlighted Las Vegas’s season-high 8-sack effort. Wilson’s presence in the backfield constantly disrupted Kansas City’s offensive rhythm.
His breakout game came at the perfect time. Wilson showed why the Raiders invested a high draft pick in him.
Chris Jones (Chiefs DT)
Jones recorded 2 sacks to reach 86.5 career sacks, third-most in Chiefs franchise history. He remains one of the NFL’s elite interior defenders.
Despite the team’s struggles, Jones performed at a Pro Bowl level. His consistent pressure kept the Raiders offense from finding rhythm.
The veteran defensive tackle was one of few bright spots in Kansas City’s disappointing season. His leadership remained evident throughout.
Harrison Butker (Chiefs Kicker)
Butker matched Carlson’s 4-for-4 performance, converting kicks from 36, 40, 41, and 47 yards. His 41-yarder with 1:01 remaining briefly gave Kansas City a 12-11 lead.
The reliable kicker has been consistent throughout Kansas City’s difficult season. Butker gave the Chiefs a chance to win before Carlson’s miracle kick.
His performance kept Kansas City competitive in a game where the offense struggled mightily. Butker remained calm under pressure throughout.
Brashard Smith (Chiefs RB)
Smith made his first NFL start and rushed for 56 yards on 12 carries. The rookie showed promise despite the loss.
His 4.7 yards per carry was solid given the offensive line struggles. Smith provided a rare offensive bright spot for Kansas City.
The young running back earned more opportunities with his performance. He demonstrated patience and vision reading running lanes.
Shane Buechele (Chiefs QB)
Buechele entered in relief and completed 7 of 14 passes for 88 yards. He led the late comeback attempt that fell just short.
The backup quarterback showed poise, engineering a drive that led to the go-ahead field goal. His 51-yard completion to Hollywood Brown was the game’s longest play.
Buechele was sacked in the end zone for a safety, a costly mistake. Overall, he gave the Chiefs a fighting chance in difficult circumstances.
Injuries and Inactive Players
Raiders Injury Report
Las Vegas played without starting quarterback Geno Smith (ankle). The injury may have ended his tenure with the Raiders after just one season.
Defensive tackle Adam Butler (bicep), left tackle Kolton Miller (ankle), running back Raheem Mostert (ankle/knee), and guard Dylan Parham (illness) were all inactive.
Safety Isaiah Pola-Mao left in the second quarter with a shoulder injury. The depleted roster made the victory even more impressive.
Chiefs Injury Report
Kansas City entered without Patrick Mahomes (knee) and Gardner Minshew (knee). The quarterback injuries forced reliance on third-string options.
Right guard Trey Smith did not play due to an ankle injury. His absence impacted the offensive line’s performance.
Left tackle Josh Simmons was inactive for personal reasons. Defensive tackle Omar-Norman Lott hurt his knee during the game, and right tackle Jawaan Taylor injured his shoulder.
Coaching Decisions and Strategy
Raiders Game Plan
Head coach Pete Carroll’s strategy emphasized defensive pressure. The Raiders blitzed aggressively and succeeded with 8 sacks.
Offensively, Las Vegas relied on field position and Carlson’s leg. The conservative approach made sense given the quarterback situation.
Carroll’s team showed resilience after a brutal season. The victory provided a positive note to end the year.
Chiefs Approach
Andy Reid rested several key players including Xavier Worthy, Isiah Pacheco, George Karlaftis, and Tyreke Smith. The preseason-like approach made sense for a team out of playoff contention.
Reid gave young players extended opportunities. Chris Oladokun started at quarterback while Brashard Smith made his first career start.
“Nobody wants a season like this,” Reid said. “But they’re obstacles. They come into play, and you’ve got to work through those.”
Historical Context of Rivalry
Season Series
This game was the Raiders’ first victory over Kansas City at Allegiant Stadium. Las Vegas had lost all previous home matchups against their AFC West rivals.
Earlier in the season, Kansas City dominated 31-0 in October. The shutout was the most lopsided in the rivalry’s 133-game history.
The victory ended Las Vegas’s 11-game losing streak against AFC West opponents. The Raiders finished 3-14 while Kansas City ended 6-11.
All-Time Series
The Chiefs historically dominate this rivalry, winning 10 of the last 11 meetings before this game. Kansas City owns a significant all-time advantage.
Both franchises have rich histories dating back to the AFL days. The rivalry intensified when the Raiders moved to Las Vegas.
Patrick Mahomes’s absence was significant given his dominance against the Raiders. Without him, Las Vegas capitalized on a rare opportunity.
Playoff and Season Implications
Raiders Season Ending
The victory improved Las Vegas to 3-14, ending a 10-game losing streak. The win provided closure to a disastrous season.
The Raiders will have a top-3 draft pick. Organizational changes may be coming after such a disappointing campaign.
Pete Carroll’s future remains uncertain. The typical day-after press conference wasn’t scheduled, raising questions about his return.
Chiefs Playoff Outlook
Kansas City finished 6-11, missing the playoffs entirely. This marked a shocking fall for a dynasty that appeared in 5 of the previous 6 Super Bowls.
The Chiefs hope to get Mahomes healthy by early next season. They aim to return to championship form after this rebuilding year.
Travis Kelce’s future remains uncertain. The 36-year-old tight end reached 13,000 career receiving yards but hasn’t announced retirement plans.
Fan and Media Reactions
Postgame Comments
“For all the guys in the locker room, it’s been a tough season,” Carlson said. “There’s no way around that, but to end it like this, I think it was really cool to send everyone to the offseason on a good note.”
Andy Reid reflected on the learning experience: “There’s a learning curve here that you can set with some of the experiences we had for all of us and then never do it again, right?”
Players from both teams acknowledged the unusual nature of the season. Many young players gained valuable experience despite the losing records.
Social Media Response
Fans celebrated Carlson’s 60-yard miracle. The dramatic finish trended on social media as one of the season’s most exciting endings.
Chiefs fans expressed frustration with another disappointing loss. However, many acknowledged the season was effectively over regardless of this result.
Raiders fans found some solace in the victory. Ending the losing streak and beating Kansas City provided something positive.
Statistical Comparisons and Analysis
Offensive Efficiency
Neither offense performed well. Las Vegas averaged 3.3 yards per play while Kansas City managed only 2.7 yards per play.
The Raiders’ 204 total yards barely exceeded Kansas City’s 168 yards. Both teams struggled to move the ball consistently.
First down conversions were limited—12 for Las Vegas, 10 for Kansas City. The defenses dominated throughout.
Defensive Success
Las Vegas’s 8 sacks were the difference. The Raiders’ defensive line completely dominated Kansas City’s offensive line.
Kansas City’s 3 sacks were respectable but not enough. They couldn’t create the game-changing plays needed.
Both defenses forced 2 turnovers each. The defensive battle showcased young talent on both sides.
Special Teams Impact
Kicking was flawless with 8 combined field goals. Both Carlson and Butker delivered under pressure.
Punting field position was roughly equal. Neither team gained significant advantage from the return game.
The safety proved crucial, giving Las Vegas a 5-point lead. Special teams and defense decided this low-scoring affair.
Future Outlook for Both Teams
Raiders Rebuild
Las Vegas enters the offseason with major questions. The head coach situation needs resolution first.
With a top-3 pick, the Raiders can select a franchise quarterback. The defense showed promise with 8 sacks.
Retaining Carlson should be a priority. The kicker proved his clutch gene and reliability.
Chiefs Reset
Kansas City must get healthy, starting with Mahomes. A healthy MVP quarterback changes everything.
The Chiefs showed depth issues exposed by injuries. The roster needs upgrades at several positions.
Andy Reid’s championship pedigree suggests this down year was an aberration. Expect Kansas City to bounce back strongly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Raiders vs Chiefs on January 4, 2026?
The Las Vegas Raiders defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 14-12 on January 4, 2026. Daniel Carlson’s 60-yard field goal with 8 seconds remaining secured the dramatic victory at Allegiant Stadium.
How many sacks did the Raiders have against the Chiefs?
The Las Vegas Raiders recorded a season-high 8 sacks for 62 yards. Tyree Wilson led with 2 sacks including a fourth-quarter safety, while the defense dominated Kansas City’s offensive line.
Who were the starting quarterbacks for both teams?
Chris Oladokun started for Kansas City before Shane Buechele replaced him. Aidan O’Connell started for Las Vegas. Patrick Mahomes (knee) and Geno Smith (ankle) were both inactive due to injuries.
How many field goals did Daniel Carlson make?
Daniel Carlson made all 4 field goal attempts including kicks from 23, 32, 55, and a career-long 60 yards. His perfect 4-for-4 performance won the game for Las Vegas.
What were the total yards for each team?
Las Vegas totaled 204 yards (118 rushing, 86 net passing) while Kansas City managed 168 yards (84 rushing, 84 net passing). Both offenses struggled significantly in the defensive battle.
How many turnovers did each team commit?
Both teams committed 2 turnovers. Las Vegas had 1 interception and 1 fumble, while Kansas City lost 2 fumbles. The turnovers were costly in the low-scoring game.
Did either team score a touchdown?
No, neither team scored a touchdown. All 26 points came from field goals (8 total) and 1 safety. It was a defensive struggle with zero passing or rushing touchdowns.
Who recorded the safety in the game?
Tyree Wilson sacked Shane Buechele in the end zone with 4:42 remaining in the fourth quarter for a safety. This gave Las Vegas an 11-6 lead at a crucial moment.
What was Harrison Butker’s field goal performance?
Harrison Butker made all 4 field goal attempts from 36, 40, 41, and 47 yards. His 41-yarder with 1:01 left briefly gave Kansas City a 12-11 lead.
How many penalties did each team commit?
Las Vegas committed only 2 penalties for 10 yards, while Kansas City had 7 penalties for 45 yards. The penalty differential helped the Raiders maintain drives.
Conclusion
The Las Vegas Raiders vs Kansas City Chiefs match player stats from January 4, 2026, tell the story of a defensive slugfest decided by special teams heroics.
Las Vegas’s 14-12 victory ended their 10-game losing streak thanks to Daniel Carlson’s career-long 60-yard field goal with 8 seconds remaining.
The Raiders dominated defensively with a season-high 8 sacks led by Tyree Wilson’s 2 sacks and crucial safety, while Kansas City managed 3 sacks including 2 from Chris Jones. Neither offense found the end zone, combining for zero touchdowns.
Statistical superiority belonged to Las Vegas with 204 total yards compared to Kansas City’s 168 yards. The Raiders controlled time of possession (30:44 vs 29:16) and committed fewer penalties (2-10 vs 7-45).
