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5 fast facts you need to know about Raiders vs. Chiefs

Kyle Terada / USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs host the Oakland Raiders in a game brimming with playoff implications Thursday night.

Both AFC West clubs are jockeying for position in the AFC playoff race, with the 10-2 Raiders holding a one-game advantage over the 9-3 Chiefs.

Here are five fast facts you need to know about the matchup:

Chiefs lead the NFL in turnover differential

Kansas City is making life miserable for its opponents, leading the NFL with a +14 turnover differential. The Chiefs also lead the NFL with 25 takeaways and are intent on recovering the ball during every defensive possession. Led by Marcus Peters' five interceptions, the Chiefs' defense is a force to be reckoned with.

Raiders surrendered least sacks in NFL

Oakland's offensive line is the class of the AFC, surrendering a league-low 12 sacks this season. Free-agent acquisition Kelechi Osemele and center Rodney Hudson will warrant All-Pro consideration and the unit's done an outstanding job of protecting Carr all year long. The Chiefs boast some of the NFL's best pass rushers, providing the Raiders with a great test Thursday night.

Kelce leads all tight ends with 65 receptions

Travis Kelce is the most important weapon in the Chiefs' passing game, and leads all tight ends with 65 receptions. Kelce is the Chiefs' leading receiver with 815 yards and three touchdowns, operating both as a downfield threat and safety valve for quarterback Alex Smith. With Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski out for the season due to injury, one could make a strong case that Kelce is the NFL's premier tight end this season.

Carr on pace to tie last year's touchdown output

Derek Carr is generating legitimate MVP buzz for his outstanding year to date, steering the Raiders atop the AFC. However, Carr is on pace to throw 32 touchdowns, tying his output from his breakout campaign last year. Although he's become far more efficient as a quarterback, Carr's raw numbers may not reflect his growth in 2016.

Raiders last defeated Chiefs on Thursday Night Football

The Chiefs won the past four meetings against the Raiders, posing a real divisional advantage over the past two seasons. However, the Raiders may be feeling fortuitous to play on Thursday night, last defeating their opponent during a mid-week stanza on Nov. 20, 2014. During this game, Latavius Murray rushed for 112 yards and two touchdowns on four carries.

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