The Kansas City Chiefs are looking to push their record above .500, riding a wave of momentum fueled by Patrick Mahomes’ recent explosive performances. They face their AFC West rivals, the Las Vegas Raiders, who despite a challenging start, showed a significant improvement in their pass rush last week, setting the stage for a compelling division battle.
The Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders are set for a pivotal AFC West showdown this Sunday, a game that carries significant implications for both teams’ seasons. The Chiefs, currently sitting at 3-3, are eager to surpass the .500 mark and keep pace in a competitive division. Their recent surge is largely attributed to quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who has seemingly erased any early-season slow-start narratives.
Over the past three weeks, Mahomes has been nothing short of spectacular, accounting for 10 touchdowns and reigniting the Chiefs’ offense. His season totals now stand at 1,514 passing yards and 11 touchdowns against two interceptions, showcasing the form that has made him one of the league’s elite. Kansas City enters this matchup encouraged by a solid 30-17 home victory over the Detroit Lions, marking their third win in four games. Adding to the optimism, the Chiefs have historically dominated this rivalry, winning 13 of their past 15 meetings with the Raiders.
The Raiders’ Challenge: Containing a Generational Talent
The Las Vegas Raiders (2-4) are looking to build momentum after halting a four-game slide with a 20-10 home victory over the Tennessee Titans. However, facing the Andy Reid-coached Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes presents a different level of challenge. Raiders coach Pete Carroll acknowledged the immense task, stating, “It’s a tremendous program that Andy’s been running for a long time, and we’re going to have to play really well to have a chance.”
One of the key matchups will be the Raiders’ revitalized pass rush against Mahomes. Las Vegas managed a season-high six sacks against the Titans, pressuring quarterback Cam Ward on over a third of his drop-backs. Defensive end Maxx Crosby led the charge with two sacks, and second-year defensive tackle Jonah Laulu added another, bringing his season total to three. However, Mahomes is notoriously difficult to bring down, having been sacked on just 4.5% of his drop-backs this season, significantly lower than Ward’s 11% against the Raiders.
Moreover, Mahomes has added a new dimension to his game, showcasing increased mobility this year. He has already rushed for 222 yards, putting him on pace to surpass his personal high of 389 yards set two years ago. Raiders linebacker Devin White emphasized the importance of discipline, stating, “You’ve got to be disciplined, very gap sound, coverage sound. Know who you’re working with. Know where your help’s at. Know what leverage you’re playing with.” Containing Mahomes within the pocket will be crucial for the Raiders’ defense.
Offensive Dynamics and Key Returns
For the Raiders’ offense, quarterback Geno Smith has struggled this season, throwing a league-worst 10 interceptions against seven touchdowns and 1,350 passing yards. Bright spots include rookie running back Ashton Jeanty, who has amassed 424 rushing yards and scored five touchdowns (three rushing, two receiving). Smith praised Jeanty’s versatility, noting, “He’s running over guys, running past guys. He’s great out of the backfield and in the catching game. He’s also great in protection.”
The Chiefs are also set to welcome back a significant offensive weapon: wide receiver Rashee Rice. Rice missed the first six games due to a suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, stemming from his role in a multicar crash in Dallas in 2024. This marks his return to the field after also battling a major knee injury from Week 4 of last season that kept him out for over a year.
As a rookie in 2023, Rice was a dynamic force, tallying 79 receptions for 938 yards and seven touchdowns. His impact extended into the playoffs, where he added 26 catches for 262 yards and a score, playing a crucial role in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Mahomes expressed confidence in Rice’s eagerness, stating, “He’s going to want to be out there every single play. It’s going to be our job, as teammates and coaches, to build him back the right way.”
Injury Concerns and Recent Milestones
Both teams are navigating some injury concerns leading into the game. For the Chiefs, offensive tackle Josh Simmons (personal reasons) and running back Brashard Smith (illness) missed Wednesday’s practice. Simmons, the team’s first-round pick this year, had previously left the team prior to the win over the Lions.
The Raiders’ injury report is also notable, with tight end Brock Bowers (knee), wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (knee/toe), and running back Dylan Laube (hamstring) all missing Wednesday’s practice. Bowers has been sidelined for the past two games, and coach Carroll indicated that while he’s optimistic, it might be best to ensure Bowers is at full health, potentially hinting at another game absence before the bye week. The Raiders’ strong defensive performance against the Titans, resulting in a 20-10 victory, highlighted their ability to disrupt the backfield, as reported by the Associated Press.
In a recent historical milestone for the Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes achieved a significant career accomplishment during the victory over the Lions. He became the fastest player in NFL history to notch 300 career passing touchdowns. This record underscores his incredible impact on the league in a relatively short period. While the Raiders managed to pressure quarterback Cam Ward during their game against the Titans, the Chiefs’ Mahomes presents a unique challenge due to his elite evasion skills, despite Ward being the No. 1 pick from this year’s NFL draft.
As the Chiefs look to extend their dominance over their division rival and the Raiders aim for an upset to build crucial momentum, this AFC West clash promises to be a compelling battle on Sunday afternoon.
