There’s not a lot to be said. The Raiders are 3-0 for the first time since 2021, and it feels different. Now, they head into an undefeated matchup versus their AFC West rival, the Chiefs.
The Raiders played a young Saints team tight. They edged out the upstart team despite being down double digits on the road. AP is screaming Raiders again.
The Chiefs also look great. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes is putting on vintage performances, looking like he’s got the script. Tight end Travis Kelce has found a resurgence. The Chiefs’ running backs look strong and effective. Running back Kenneth Walker III has been as good as hoped. Backup running back Emmett Johnson has shown sparks, with 56 rushing yards on 16 carries through three games.
The Raiders’ offense comes in ranked in the middle of the pack in most offensive categories. They’ve looked effective. They’ll face a Chiefs defense that looks like it found some rhythm again, with new corners mixed with staples like defensive tackle Chris Jones, defensive end George Karlaftis and linebacker Nick Bolton in the front seven. Vegas’ defense has been better than anyone anticipated. They are in the top 10 in points allowed and passing defense, but rank 11th in total defense and tied for 19th in run defense.
Kansas City has yet to stretch the field like in years past. Wide receivers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy both have the speed to give the Raiders a long day. Don’t let this be the game they get going.
Vegas can continue showing the balance it has throughout the first three games. Quarterback Kirk Cousins did not turn the ball over and stayed accurate. I’d like to see them stick with running back Ashton Jeanty longer and stretch the field. The combo of tight ends Michael Mayer and Brock Bowers finally got some burn. Let’s see the Raiders exploit their mismatches more. Also, try to stretch the field with wide receiver Tre Tucker.
Defensively, the Raiders made impact plays. Linebacker Nakobe Dean forced a fumble, and safety Jeremy Chinn made a big sack. Defensive end Malcolm Koonce came up big with a sack. That’s why you paid those guys. Cornerback Hezekiah Masses came up with another interception. Vegas needs more of that playmaking this week. They also need to be disciplined and not give up big plays.
At the end of the day, the media keep talking about how the Raiders are different. They believe in themselves. That all comes to trial today. If they beat the Chiefs, they will create way more believers. If Kansas City outclasses them, headlines will read that the Raiders came back to reality.
None of that matters. Run the ball. Make defensive plays. Limit big plays. Push the ball downfield and find mismatches. Just beat the fucking Chiefs!
Can’t believe this game is blacked out in Los Angeles! Let’s go Jeanty TD for parlays and Tre Tucker for fantasy. Take No. 1 in the AFC and AFC West!
