(Photo: Yahoo Sports)
AFC Game Of The Week
Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders
Chiefs (3-0):
So let me say this—or better yet, ask this question: Where was this running game last year when they were struggling to push the football down the field as an offense? How many times did I say this in 2025? I also stated that their main issue with their struggles last season was their offense. Kenneth Walker III has been such a godsend for them and fits perfectly with what this offense wants to do. Patrick Mahomes looks rejuvenated, but I like the fact that he’s not being asked to take games over in the manner we’re used to seeing. He’s been able to lean on that ground attack a bit more, which then allows him to utilize play action—and that’s what I want to talk about next. The Chiefs have been the best play-action team in football this season. Against the Miami Dolphins in Week 3 on Sunday, they completed 11 of their 12 pass attempts on play action for 183 yards, a touchdown, and an average of 15 yards per pass attempt. This is what running the football does: It allows you to throw the ball because the opposing defense has to respect the run. Their defense was good last season, and they’ve been one of the best units once again. I’ll admit, I had my concerns about them, especially their secondary and the fact that they traded away Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson to the Los Angeles Rams. As a whole, they’re playing complementary football, and they don’t have to win each game with Patrick throwing for 350 yards and four touchdown passes. This Sunday, the Chiefs make their way back to where they won their last Super Bowl.
Raiders (3-0):
If you had told me they’d be sitting at 3-0 right now months ago, prior to the season starting, I’d have looked at you as if you were crazy. Their first unofficial win came when they decided to hire Klint Kubiak as their next head coach. He was the top coaching candidate in the offseason when teams were looking to fill their vacant coaching positions. It’s been a struggle for this organization, and they haven’t won a playoff game since 2003, when they beat the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Championship Game to advance to the Super Bowl that year. I knew they’d beat the Miami Dolphins in Week 1, but when they made their way to SoFi to play the Chargers in Week 2 and left with a win, I started to pay more attention. But the most impressive win was them going to New Orleans and beating the Saints on the road. The common thing is to label teams from the West Coast as struggling when they travel to the other side of the country, but they did it. So you might ask, what’s gone well for the Raiders? First, I’ve been impressed with their offense. They have built this unit around Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers. On the defensive side of things, they’re creating takeaways, defending the run pretty well, and the pass rush is getting home. They’re perfect through three games, and on Sunday, their first major test of the season will come against the revamped Kansas City Chiefs.
Chiefs X-Factor: Tyquan Thornton
I’m still trying to get a feel for this wide receiver room, but so far, they’ve been solid out of the gates. Years ago, when you played the Chiefs, the number one key was to limit Tyreek Hill and bring him down the second the ball hit his hands. Nowadays, defenses don’t really know who to key in on. In this game on Sunday, I’m picking Tyquan as my Chiefs player to watch. Through three games, he’s shown the big-play ability and gives Patrick a speedy weapon to attack defenses vertically. Tyquan has the speed to change the coverage, and even if he’s not being targeted, he can force the safeties to respect the vertical route.
Raiders X-Factor: Nakobe Dean
The former Philadelphia Eagle has made his presence felt in Las Vegas. Nakobe is one of those linebackers who can diagnose plays quickly, and that type of linebacker is critical, especially against a quarterback like Mahomes because he makes defenses pay when you’re overaggressive. Nakobe is a strong run stopper and knows how to pursue the football with his speed, vision, and instincts. He can also play back in coverage, and if he can handle running backs and tight ends underneath, it allows the Raiders to get more pressure on Mahomes.
Final Thoughts:
This is a rivalry that dates back to the 1960s, when both franchises were members of the AFL. This Sunday, both teams enter with perfect 3-0 records and are tied for first place in the AFC West. I never would’ve thought the Raiders would be in this position, and they’ve won as many games now as they did all of last season. If the season ended today, Klint Kubiak would get a vote from me for Coach of the Year. Can the Chiefs continue this complementary style of football? I’ve loved every second of it. The Chiefs must neutralize Maxx Crosby and not allow him to dictate this game, continue to feed Walker the football, and force the Raiders to account for the run, which in turn will allow Mahomes to use play action. They also can’t allow Brock Bowers to take the game over. Know where he is at all times. The Raiders, on the other side, must continue to force turnovers, stay out of third-and-long situations so the Kansas City pass rush can’t tee off, and keep Kirk Cousins protected. Keeping him clean in the pocket will allow him to keep the offense on schedule. One matchup I’ll be paying attention to is Nakobe Dean against these Kansas City weapons over the middle. As I mentioned, if he can handle his responsibilities, the Raiders will have more freedom to pressure No. 15.
