The Raiders have spent the last few weeks giving fans plenty to think about regarding their potential.
This weekend, they have a chance to completely shift the narrative.
The undefeated Chiefs are set to visit Allegiant Stadium on Sunday for a match-up between two 3-0 AFC West teams. For the Raiders, securing a win would not only place them at the top of the division but also give a much stronger impression following their promising September.
Under the guidance of first-year coach Klint Kubiak, this is a significant test for a team still figuring out how to win.
They’ve shown an impressive mix of determination and creativity, especially in close games. The defense leads the league with nine forced turnovers, while quarterback Kirk Cousins has been steady and calm, taking advantage of the chances presented.
In their recent game against New Orleans, the Raiders rallied from an 11-point deficit in the second half to score 19 unanswered points, pulling off a 35-27 victory. The defense stepped up, taking the ball away on the Saints’ last four possessions, granting the offense several opportunities to turn the game around.
It was quite a comeback, for sure.
However, against Patrick Mahomes and coach Andy Reid, the Raiders will want to avoid needing to pull off another rescue.
The Chiefs come with that recognizable quarterback-coach duo and an added challenge in running back Kenneth Walker III, who can turn small openings into big gains. This makes things trickier for the Raiders as it gives Mahomes more chances to exploit defensive weaknesses with play-action.
In their recent win over Miami, Walker found the end zone both rushing and receiving. Mahomes had a highly efficient game, completing 20 out of 24 passes for 246 yards and two touchdowns, reminding everyone just how seamless their offense can be when everything clicks.
The Raiders must find a way to disrupt that flow while staying disciplined.
Maxx Crosby and the defensive front need to make an impact on Mahomes but also maintain their positioning. Linebackers Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker must juggle their assignments against the run while remaining aware of the passing threats. It’s crucial that a young secondary avoids letting extended plays open doors for Travis Kelce.
On the flip side, Cousins has an ace in Brock Bowers, who had an impressive debut with 10 catches for 116 yards and a touchdown against the Saints. Bowers offers Kubiak a versatile player who can challenge the defense and create openings for his teammates.
However, the Raiders need more consistency from their running game.
In New Orleans, Ashton Jeanty struggled with 56 yards on 19 carries, and while Mike Washington Jr. made a splash with a 36-yard touchdown, the team needs more regular production to ease the pressure off Cousins and keep the offense balanced.
The Raiders also must capitalize on scoring opportunities. They’ve faced setbacks from penalties and missed chances, despite ultimately finding ways to win.
Against Kansas City, there’s little room for error.
The Raiders are in a position to make an early-season statement against the Chiefs. This game will reveal just how prepared they are to seize the moment.
Key Matchup: Travis Kelce vs. Jeremy Chinn
Chinn’s physical play was crucial in sealing the win against New Orleans, illustrated by a fourth-down strip-sack that thwarted a potential tying drive. This week, he’ll need that same blend of aggression and discipline.
Kelce is a constant threat, adept at reading coverages and connecting with Mahomes, particularly when the QB extends plays. Chinn will share the responsibility of keeping Kelce in check, where communication and tight coverage will be vital.
The Raiders cannot afford to let Kelce slip behind linebackers attracted to the run or lose him during Mahomes’ scramble. Effective execution in this matchup means limiting straightforward completions and yards after the catch, forcing Kansas City to work for their third-down conversions.
Key Matchup: Kenneth Walker III vs. Nakobe Dean
Walker adds a dynamic element to Kansas City’s offense, ready to exploit any defensive lapses, while Dean provides the Raiders with a linebacker known for his range and instinct in key plays. He’s been pivotal, forcing fumbles during crucial moments in past games, yet his primary task in this matchup will be preventing Walker from breaking into the secondary.
Dean needs to stay sharp, read the plays, and ensure he fills the right gaps to tackle a runner who can shift direction rapidly. The defensive line must also prevent Walker from being overwhelmed by blockers. If Walker keeps gaining ground on early downs, Dean could struggle with his own coverage responsibilities as Kansas City enhances its play-action.
The Prediction: Chiefs 30, Raiders 27
The Raiders have the offensive capability and defensive flexibility to keep this game close.
Bowers offers Cousins a reliable option in tight situations, and the home field should energize a team brimming with confidence. Nevertheless, the balanced approach of Kansas City poses a unique challenge that the Raiders have not yet addressed when facing an opponent of this stature.
Walker’s ability to run opens doors for Mahomes, allowing the Chiefs to capitalize on one more scoring opportunity. The Raiders will put up a fight, but an inconsistent running game and a missed chance might prove to be their downfall.
Four Key Points
First Point: Stop the Run
The first priority in limiting Mahomes is to ensure Walker isn’t steering the game. Successful runs on early downs can easily set up Kansas City for advantageous positions, making play-action more effective.
The Raiders’ defensive tackles must hold firm; the edge players need to maintain their positions, and the linebackers must arrive ready to tackle. Failing to do so could result in manageable gains turning into significant plays.
The aim here is to make Kansas earn their rushing yards while creating second-and-long or third-and-long situations, offering Crosby and the pass rush clarity on their approach.
Second Point: Get the Running Game Going
The Raiders can’t continue relying on Cousins to offset a sporadic run game. Jeanty averaged under 3 yards per carry against New Orleans, and Washington’s touchdown was a bright spot amidst a lackluster performance.
Improved execution begins with the offensive line creating running lanes and avoiding disruptions before plays can get underway. Washington deserves more chances, but what they really need is consistent production.
Generating gains of four or five yards would give Kubiak more options, reduce the burden of tough third downs, and enhance the play-action effectiveness. Against Kansas City, the Raiders need a trustworthy running game throughout.
Third Point: Focus on Bowers
With Kelce on the other side, Bowers has an opportunity to show his impact on games once again. His return opened up the Raiders’ passing attack significantly, providing Cousins with a target adept at making contested catches while turning short passes into sizeable gains.
Kubiak should continue to utilize Bowers in various alignments, making it harder for Kansas City to cover him consistently. Getting him involved early will also reveal what kind of defensive help Kansas aims to assign him.
When the attention towards Bowers leads to opportunities for Tre Tucker, Michael Mayer, or the running backs, Cousins must capitalize.
Fourth Point: Win the Turnover Battle
The Raiders have recorded nine takeaways in three games, which has been crucial for overcoming mistakes and gaining control over tightly contested matches. This mindset needs to carry into the upcoming game, keeping in mind that Mahomes will capitalize on defensive slip-ups.
The best strategy lies in applying pressure, maintaining disciplined coverage, and having multiple players concentrated on the ball. Dean’s knack for forcing fumbles in recent games is a testament to the importance of finishing each play.
Simultaneously, Cousins and the offense must safeguard their possessions. Giving Kansas City a short field can undermine solid defensive efforts.
In a matchup this close, an additional possession can spell the difference between victory and defeat.
