Raiders take another beating from Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney (19) scores a touchdown while being tackled by Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during the first half an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

A fan displays a sign during the first half of a NFL football game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) runs the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Raiders punter AJ Cole, center, huddles with place kicker Daniel Carlson (2) and long snapper Trent Sieg (47) before an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) comes up short on a touchdown pass under pressure from Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (38) during the first half an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

A Raiders fans holds up a sign in support of Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin before an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) slings a pass past Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Carlos Dunlap (8) during the first half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) stiff arms Las Vegas Raiders safety Duron Harmon (30) during the second half of a NFL football game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates a sack during the second half of an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson (35) motions after breaking up a touchdown pass intended for Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the first half an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during the second half an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Raiders wide receiver Keelan Cole (84) evades a tackle attempt by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (21) during the second half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Kansas City Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon (1) celebrates a touchdown catch during the first half of a NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) runs the ball under pressure from Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Mike Danna (51) during the second half an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs the ball past Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the first half an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels looks on during the second half an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton (32) tackles Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the second half an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs takes pictures with fans before an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) gestures first down after a run against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of a NFL football game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiderettes perform as the Raiders battle the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) scores a touchdown against the Raiders during the second half an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) stiff arms Kansas City Chiefs safety Juan Thornhill (22) as he runs out of bounds during the first half of a NFL football game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

A fan dangles a helmet from the stands before an NFL game between the Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid (20) reacts after forcing an incomplete pass while defending against Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the second half of a NFL football game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (21) during the second half of a NFL football game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Fans become emotions as they show their support for injured player Damar Hamlin as the Raiders face the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) looks to unload a pass as Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Carlos Dunlap (8) dives in during the second half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders cornerback Sidney Jones IV (31) tackles Kansas City Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon (1) during the second half an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Raiders Head Coach Josh McDaniels pouts as he walks the sidelines versus the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders place kicker Daniel Carlson (2) secures the first points for the team versus the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) receives a pass for a touchdown under pressure from Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (21) during the second half of a NFL football game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) makes a touchdown grab in the end zone over Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson (35) and cornerback Trent McDuffie (21) during the second half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

The Raiderettes perform during the second half an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during the second half of a NFL football game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) looks to pass the ball during the first half an NFL game against the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Raiders tight end Darren Waller, wearing a shirt in support of Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin, signs items for fans before an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin is honored before an NFL game between the Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) misses a pass in the end zone under pressure from Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (38) during the first half of a NFL football game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders safety Duron Harmon (30) attempts to tackle Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) with Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) closing in during the second half of an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

A raiders fan looks on in dismay as the Kansas City Chiefs dominate during the second half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Kansas City Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon (1) carries the ball against the Raiders during the second half an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Raiders Head Coach Josh McDaniels runs onto the field to face the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is dragged backwards onto the turn by Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) with teammates about during the second half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid (20) breaks ups long pass to Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the second half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) carries the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid (20) breaks up a pass intended for Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the second half an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Raiders cornerback Sidney Jones IV (31) and safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) team cup to break up a long pass to Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justin Watson (84) during the second half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Kansas City Chiefs players show their support for injured player Damar Hamlin during the National Anthem as the Raiders face the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) dives to a tackle against Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during the first half of a NFL football game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) argue a late hit penalty during the first half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney (19) celebrates his touchdown with teammates during the first half an NFL game against the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) gets sacked by Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the second half an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) sacks Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) during the first half of an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

Las Vegas Raiders safety Duron Harmon (30) drops a pass during the second half of a NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders fans call to the players once more following the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs in their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) runs the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Kansas City Chiefs safety Juan Thornhill (22) defends a pass intended for Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) for an incomplete pass during the second half of a NFL football game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) sits on the bench during a change of possession against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs the ball as his teammate tight end Travis Kelce (87) and Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) look on during the first half of a NFL football game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) is slow to get up after being sacked during the second half of an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Anthony Averett (29) talks to head coach Josh McDaniels at the end of a NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) leaves the field following a NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders running back Josh Jacobs leaves the field after a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

The Raiders leave the field after a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) waves goodbye to the fans following the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs in their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

The end came with little resistance from the Raiders on Saturday.

Their season had been over for weeks, but the 31-13 thumping they took from the Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium officially closed the book on a season that never took off as expected and raised many more questions than answers.

The game they produced against their longtime AFC West rivals was indicative of two teams heading in opposite directions. The Chiefs (14-3) move forward as the No. 1 seed for the playoffs, the Super Bowl a realistic goal and as tight a grip as ever on the division.

The Raiders (6-11) are left to reassess and regroup, just as they have so many other times after being left in the dust by the Chiefs despite various coaching and leadership and roster overhauls in the past seven years.

The latest decision-making group of general manager Dave Ziegler and coach Josh McDaniels has been on the job less than one calendar year. But as they close in on their 12th month in charge, it isn’t lost on them the challenge the Chiefs continue to present.

“They’ve been together for a long time,” McDaniels said. “They’ve got a really good formula. They have a process in place, and it’s pretty damn successful. We know who we are chasing.”

Or, as safety Duron Harmon said: “They’re the top dog. That’s who everyone is chasing. It’s who we’re chasing. It’s who the Broncos are chasing, and it’s who the Chargers are chasing. Until somebody knocks them off, they’re the king of the division.”

In other words, the Chiefs are everything the Raiders want to be. But doing so means checking off a series of boxes from a to-do list that stretches long and far and touches almost every facet of their operation.

That task begins immediately.

“All around we’ve gotta kinda diagnose exactly what it was that led to us coming up short and fix it with personnel, scheme, everything,” said Davante Adams, who finished his first season with the Raiders with 100 receptions for 1,516 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Not the least of which is identifying the team’s next quarterback. And, simultaneously, upgrading the offensive line and overhauling a defense that has been left to rot as a result of years of bad drafting and free agency and trade decisions.

As for the quarterback, it’s beyond obvious the Raiders are done with Derek Carr, who was benched two weeks ago and will be traded or released.

His replacement, Jarrett Stidham, came down to earth a bit Saturday after a scintillating debut last Sunday in an overtime loss to the 49ers. He threw for 219 yards with one touchdown and one interception, and with his contract expiring soon, he remains a candidate to return on a new deal. If his role is anything more than a backup, though, it means the Raiders struck out on their plan to bring in a veteran quarterback such as Tom Brady or Jimmy Garoppolo.

Stidham was under heavy siege Saturday, the result of the Chiefs’ defensive line bullying the Raiders’ offensive line. To close the gap on Kansas City, it’s imperative that Ziegler and McDaniels upgrade the protection.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes wasn’t spectacular, throwing for 202 yards and a touchdown, but he didn’t need to be against a depleted Raiders defense that, even at full strength requires a significant overhaul.

“There’s a lot of things we can look at, and we’re gonna address them,” McDaniels said.

If it’s any solace, the Raiders did play competitively in all but two of their games. Of their 11 losses, they were within one score in nine of them. As frustrating as those close losses were, there’s encouragement, too.

“There’s just too much good that we put on tape to come out of this empty-handed,” tight end Foster Moreau said. “The worst thing about making mistakes is not learning lessons. And I think we’ve learned plenty of lessons.”

The task now is truly heeding them. And making sure changes are made to close the gap on the best the AFC has to offer.

Contact Vincent Bonsignore at vbonsignore@reviewjournal.com. Follow @VinnyBonsignore on Twitter.