TIME CHANGE WATCH: Chiefs vs. Raiders - Game infomation

Jan 2, 2026
Unusual winter storm conditions sweeping through Las Vegas have added an unexpected layer of uncertainty ahead of the Week 18 season finale between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders. While Southern Nevada is better known for dry desert weather, a slow-moving storm system has brought steady rain, gusty winds, and localized flooding concerns across the region during the final days of the regular season.

According to local forecasts, rain bands are expected to persist through Sunday afternoon, with wind gusts potentially affecting travel routes and pregame operations around Allegiant Stadium. League officials are not anticipating a major disruption, but the NFL is closely monitoring conditions to ensure smooth logistics for team arrivals, broadcast crews, and fan access — an unusual but fitting backdrop for a game that closes a turbulent 2025 campaign for both franchises.

𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: The Rose Bowl field is FLOODED with rainwater.

Get ready for a nice and sloppy game 😳pic.twitter.com/14hSaqvqzv

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 1, 2026

As the NFL approaches the final weekend of the 2025 regular season, attention has shifted toward the Week 18 matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders — a game that may not affect the playoff bracket, but carries significant weight for both franchises as the season comes to a close.

The game is scheduled for Sunday, January 4, 2026, with kickoff set for 4:25 PM ET (1:25 PM PT) at Allegiant Stadium. The matchup will be broadcast nationally on CBS.

Game Information (Confirmed Schedule)

• Date: Sunday, January 4, 2026

• 4:25 PM ET

Season Context: A Final Chapter for Both Teams

Kansas City enters Week 18 with a 6–10 record, closing out what has widely been described as one of the most disappointing seasons of the modern Chiefs era. The Raiders, meanwhile, sit at 2–14, having endured a prolonged collapse after a brief early-season spark.

The game is a rematch of the teams’ Week 7 meeting, when Kansas City dominated Las Vegas in a 31–0 shutout — a result that now feels distant given how sharply the Chiefs’ season unraveled in the weeks that followed.

Chiefs Outlook: Injuries, Losses, and a Test of Resolve

Kansas City arrives in Las Vegas riding a six-game losing streak, with the offense severely depleted following Patrick Mahomes’ season-ending ACL injury. In his absence, third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun will make another start, operating behind a patchwork lineup shaped by injuries across multiple position groups.

The Chiefs’ most recent outing — a 20–13 loss to the Denver Broncos on Christmas Day — underscored the team’s struggles, as the offense managed just 139 total yards.

In total, Kansas City currently has nearly 20 players on injured reserve, forcing the coaching staff to lean heavily on depth players and late-season call-ups.

Raiders Outlook: Losing Streak and Draft Implications

Las Vegas enters the finale having lost 10 consecutive games, most recently a 34–10 defeat at home to the New York Giants. Another loss would all but secure the Raiders the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, making the outcome meaningful beyond the scoreboard.

The Raiders will also be without several key contributors, including Brock Bowers and Maxx Crosby, further thinning an already strained roster.

Coaching Perspective: Pride Still at Stake

Despite the lack of playoff implications, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid confirmed this week that he plans to return for the 2026 season, signaling organizational stability even amid a lost year.

Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo emphasized that Sunday’s game still matters internally.

“There’s no postseason on the line, but there’s pride, evaluation, and how you finish,” Spagnuolo said. “That always matters in this league.”

Final Notes

As of now, no kickoff change is expected, and the NFL has confirmed the 4:25 PM ET start time. While the standings are largely settled, the Week 18 clash between the Chiefs and Raiders serves as a measuring stick — one final evaluation of depth, effort, and identity before both teams turn the page to an uncertain offseason.

For Kansas City, it’s a chance to end a fractured season with dignity.
For Las Vegas, it’s the final step toward a potential franchise reset.