By Jeremy
For years, Raiders Week has felt like a rivalry Kansas City knew how to handle, even when the games got uncomfortable. Sunday’s trip to Las Vegas feels different. The Chiefs and Raiders are both 3–0, and the winner will take an early edge in the AFC West. That doesn’t settle a division race in October, but it does mean the Chiefs must approach this matchup with a heightened sense of urgency.
Keeping Crosby from setting the terms
Maxx Crosby has long been the Raider Kansas City must account for on every snap. The Chiefs’ offensive line had trouble at times against Miami, and now Crosby has more help around him in Las Vegas’s front seven. The concern isn’t just about one tackle winning an isolated matchup. If the Raiders create enough third-and-long situations, Crosby and his teammates can turn a manageable game into a series of hurried decisions for Patrick Mahomes.
The answer has to begin before those third downs. Kenneth Walker III gives Kansas City a credible way to stay balanced, and the Chiefs’ recent win over Miami highlighted how effective Mahomes can be on play-action passes. Runs that keep Las Vegas honest, quick throws, and protection at the right moments can all make Crosby work harder for his opportunities. None of these strategies will completely remove him from the game, but together, they could keep him from dictating it.
That requires patience from Kansas City’s offense. A deep shot is worth taking when it’s there, but forcing one while the pocket collapses plays right into the Raiders’ hands. Las Vegas has forced nine turnovers through three games, and against a team finding ways to win, protecting the ball matters just as much as producing a highlight reel play.
The Raiders deserve more than a rivalry label
Las Vegas has earned its 3–0 start, even if three games can’t tell us how good they’ll be over a full season. The Raiders’ own recap describes an 11-point second-half comeback against New Orleans, with Brock Bowers catching 10 passes for 116 yards in his season debut. Kansas City’s defense cannot focus solely on making quarterback Kirk Cousins uncomfortable and assume the rest will take care of itself.
That’s the adjustment Chiefs fans may need to make, too. Familiarity with this matchup is useful; assuming the usual result isn’t. The Chiefs are unbeaten themselves, and their 24–10 win in Miami proved they can finish a difficult road game. But a close division contest in Las Vegas will test their protection, discipline, and ability to avoid giving a confident opponent extra possessions.
Sunday isn’t a referendum on the entire season. It’s a chance for Kansas City to show it recognizes what’s at stake: Crosby remains a problem, and these Raiders look like a team worth taking seriously.
Crosby’s ability to force those third-and-longs is concerning, especially with the way our O-line looked at times. If we can effectively integrate the run game and keep him guessing, we stand a better chance. How do you think Mahomes will adapt under pressure this week?
If we can establish the run early, it opens up play-action opportunities for Mahomes and keeps Crosby guessing. A balanced attack is crucial to avoid letting their defense dictate the game. This one’s going to be a battle in the trenches.