The Oakland Raiders lost their first 10 games this season with run-down running backs Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew handling the bulk of the carries out of the backfield. They turned to Latavius Murray in Week 11 against the Kansas City Chiefs, and he ran for 112 yards on only four carries as they upset the Chiefs 24-20 for their first victory of the season.

If the Chiefs don’t want history to repeat itself, they need to focus on their run defense and control the running lanes this weekend against the Raiders if they hope to emerge victorious and keep their playoff hopes alive.

Heading into that Week 11 matchup, the Raiders had only rushed for over 100 yards twice in a game, but Murray accomplished that feat in just four carries before leaving the game with a concussion. They went on to rush for a season-high 179 yards against the Chiefs, and it’s something they have to correct if they hope to win the rematch.

The Chiefs have only given up two rushing touchdowns this season, both to Murray, but they have allowed the second-most rushing yards in the league with 1,589. They are allowing over five yards per carry, but they have been saved because their defense is first in the NFL in allowing only 36.36 percent of their opponents’ red zone drives to end in touchdowns.

They need to improve their run defense to between the 20s if they hope to win this contest. The Raiders just upset the San Francisco 49ers last weekend and have won both games. Murray has played since becoming the focal point of the backfield. If they hope to come out on top, they need to put eight men in the box and focus on stopping the run game of the Raiders to make Derek Carr beat them through the air.

Phillip Jacques is a Pac-12 Football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google