The Raiders are a good play on a short week against the spread

CHIEFS (7-3) at RAIDERS (0-10),

8:25 p.m.

LINE: Chiefs by 7 1/2; O/U: 42 1/2

TV: NFL. Radio: WFAN (660, 101.9)

So, besides being a Kansas City or Oakland fan, or worrying about your fantasy football team, why else would you watch this Thursday night game?

The spread, of course. That's what makes this game, and many others, bearable, watchable and even interesting.

KC is tied with Arizona for the best record (8-2) against the spread (ATS) in the NFL this season.

The Chiefs boast the NFL's fourth-ranked rushing attack at 141.2 yards per game, but they trail only the Jets as the league's worst passing team (186.8 ypg). In fact, the Chiefs have yet to throw a touchdown pass to one of their wide receivers this season. Wow!

Surprisingly, the Raiders are a respectable 5-5 ATS despite their winless record.

Still, the Raiders are mired in a terrible losing streak (16), and the once-proud franchise is reportedly looking into moves to either Los Angeles or San Antonio.

Oakland last tasted victory more than a year ago: Nov. 17, 2013, when the Raiders bested Houston, 28-23.

Oakland is 27th in the NFL against the run (129.8 ypg), which could spell disaster tonight against KC's backfield of Jamaal Charles and Knile Davis.

The Chiefs have covered nine of their last 11 meetings in Oakland. Interestingly, the underdog is 11-3 ATS in the last 14 games between these two AFC West foes.

The Raiders can't go 0-16, can they? If they don't win here, their best (and only) chance for a 'W' in '14 could be Dec. 21 vs. Buffalo. I'll take a shot with LB Khalil Mack & the home team in a divisional game on a short week. Just cover tonight, baby!

The pick: Raiders