What answers can Kansas City provide in the matchup against Las Vegas?

1. Can the Chiefs design plays for Jalen Royals?

• Context: Royals, a rookie wide receiver, has seen very limited usage in his first season. Over the past two weeks, he mostly played blocking roles and ran very few routes.

• Opportunity: With the season ending and stakes low, this game is a low-risk chance to give Royals meaningful snaps and targets.

• Answer the Chiefs can provide:

  • Show that Royals can handle live NFL reps and route-running against actual defenders.

  • Provide tape that demonstrates he can contribute in 2026 as a reliable depth or rotational WR.

  • Even if he doesn’t produce huge stats, consistent involvement could help shape his offseason development.

2. Can Kristian Fulton solidify a role for 2026?

Injuries derailed that plan. Fulton missed time in the offseason and battled availability throughout the year. When he did play early — including against the Chargers and Broncos — the results were discouraging, making the signing look like a miss and raising questions about his future with the team.

Over the past two games, however, Fulton has looked like a different player. He’s been around the ball consistently, showing the instincts and mirroring ability that made him intriguing in the first place. Despite being undersized, those traits have always been part of his profile — and now they’re showing up again. The looming question is whether the Chiefs can trust his durability.

Cutting Fulton in 2026 would save $5 million in cap space, though it would also leave $8 million in dead money. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether that extra $5 million is worth paying for a player with his injury history. Another strong performance could go a long way toward settling that debate.

• Context: Fulton was signed to be a starter but missed time due to injuries and struggled in some early-season games. The team has been evaluating his durability and fit in their defensive scheme.

• Opportunity: The Chiefs can use this game to see if Fulton is healthy, consistent, and instinctive against a weaker Raiders offense.

• Answer the Chiefs can provide:

  • Demonstrate that Fulton can play at a high level and stay on the field for a full game.

  • Show that he’s reliable in coverage, particularly in Quarters schemes where his mirroring ability shines.

  • Provide data to help the team decide whether his $5 million cap hit is worth keeping him for 2026.

3. Can Chris Oladokun put together a strong week of film?

• Context: The third-string QB has managed to protect the football and move around, but he hasn’t shown strong arm strength or big downfield plays. Last week against Denver was tough due to a top defense.

• Opportunity: Facing a Raiders defense missing star pass rusher Maxx Crosby gives Oladokun a better chance to shine.

• Answer the Chiefs can provide:

  • Build solid tape showing competence under pressure, ball security, and mobility.

  • Potentially prove he can stick as a third quarterback in the league.

  • Give the coaching staff confidence in using him in certain packages or as an emergency starter.

Bottom Line

This Week 18 matchup is a developmental opportunity for the Chiefs. With the season already lost (6-10 record), they can use the game to:

• Test rookies and young players like Royals.

• Evaluate new signings like Fulton for long-term roles.

• Give backup QBs like Oladokun a chance to show they belong on an NFL roster.

Effectively, the Chiefs can turn this game into a film session with stakes, helping set the roster and depth chart for 2026.

Unfortunately, last week’s matchup against the Denver Broncos didn’t help his cause. Facing one of the league’s top defenses on a short week made things very difficult for him.

But on Sunday, the Chiefs are coming off a mini-bye — and will be facing a Raiders defense that has struggled badly without its star pass rusher Maxx Crosby. If there’s a week for Oladokun to stack quality tape, this is it.

He may never project as a long-term backup due to his limitations as a passer, but there’s a realistic path for him to stick as a third quarterback. A strong showing on Sunday could be enough to earn more opportunities around the league.