This week, the Kansas City Chiefs will take on the Las Vegas Raiders in a Week 3 showdown in Las Vegas. The game is set to kick off at 3:25 p.m. Arrowhead Time and will be broadcast locally on CBS (KCTV-5). Both teams are undefeated, and the winner will take sole possession of first place in the AFC West.
The 3-0 Chiefs defeated the Miami Dolphins 24-10 a week ago, and although it was not the team’s cleanest appearance, they still pulled out the win by two possessions.
Running back Kenneth Walker has
electrified the league, winning AFC player of the month for September. Walker’s presence has fueled an offensive resurgence in Kansas City, helping the Chiefs jump to second in the league in yards per game at 416. The run game has also opened up the passing game once more, and quarterback Patrick Mahomes looks as if he is back to MVP form less than a year after coming off of an ACL injury.
With a brand new regime, the Raiders are off to their best start since 2021 under first-year head coach Klint Kubiak and new quarterback Kirk Cousins. The Raiders have used solid defense and a revamped offense to get off to a hot start, and this will be a statement game for them.
Here are five things to watch in another AFC battle.
1. The Raiders’ pass rush
One of the Raiders’ strengths this season has been their pass rush, and all eyes will be on star defensive end Maxx Crosby against the Chiefs’ offensive tackles.
The Raiders have been one of the best teams in the NFL at getting home against quarterbacks, and they have done so with one of the lowest blitz percentages.
The Raiders’ defensive line has done a great job rushing the passer, and it started up front with Crosby. While Crosby draws the attention, auxiliary rushers like Malcom Koonce and Kwity Paye have helped clean up, and seven total Raiders have recorded sacks so far this season.
The Chiefs’ offensive line has done an adequate job protecting Mahomes despite issues late last week. Rookie Kahlil Benson has been aided by the fierce run game and play action, and has played well enough to win AFC Rookie of the Month.
The rookie has played well so far, but this will be the biggest test of his career. Look for the play-action attack to continue, but the one-on-one situations between Benson and Crosby will be telling.
2. Walker and Kubiak reunion
In February, Kubiak and Walker both played pivotal roles in helping the Seattle Seahawks hoist the Lombardi Trophy, and less than a year later they find themselves as adversaries in the same division.
Kubiak served as Walker’s offensive coordinator for only one season, but during that season, Walker had the second-highest rushing total of his career, along with a dominant postseason run that helped him win Super Bowl MVP.
Despite the monster postseason, Walker spent the season in a time share with fellow Seahawks back Zach Charbonnet, up until Charbonnet went down with an ACL injury in January.
Kubiak left to become a head coach, and Walker signed with a team that needed a lead back. It will be interesting if either is able to use any inside knowledge to help their current team prepare.
3. Turnover takeaway difference
Turning the ball over is never a conductor for success, but this season both teams lead the league in turnover takeaway differential. The Raiders lead the league at +5, while the Chiefs are tied for 5th at +3.
A huge four-takeaway game in Week 3 boosted this number for the Raiders, but in overall turnover numbers they still lead the league with five fumble recoveries and four interceptions. Their numbers could be higher, but three Kirk Cousins interceptions and another fumble lower the margin.
The Chiefs have turned the ball over only twice — two interceptions by Mahomes — but forced two fumbles and intercepted three passes. Last season both teams finished in the negative for the margin, with the Chiefs at -1 for the season and the Raiders nearly last at -7.
Ball security could play a huge role on Sunday.
4. Chiefs YAC dominance
The Chiefs are the best team in the NFL in yards after catch this season with 519, largely due to tight end Travis Kelce, who leads the league with 155 at age 37. Wideout Rashee Rice is also in the top 10 with 119 after the catch.
The Chiefs have used an impressive play-action passing attack to get their best players open, and Mahomes has not hesitated to take the easy completions.
The Chiefs have used the threat of Walker’s legs to pull defenders into the box, and that is where the offense’s brilliance has shown up this season. Giving Kelce and Rice free lanes to run has led to explosive plays, and given the defense very little margin for error.
5. Rivalry renewed
It has been many years since the Chiefs and Raiders have played a truly meaningful game, but this one could signify yet another shift during the Mahomes era for the Chiefs’ primary Rival in the AFC West. The Los Angeles Chargers are off to a disastrous start after being the Chiefs’ primary threat during the Mahomes era, while the Broncos seem to be regressing after their 2025 campaign.
The Raiders have new faces all over, and most importantly, they have the talent and coaching to use it. Their biggest asset will likely not even play this week, but the Chiefs should still be ready for the Raiders’ best shot, especially with the division standings on the line early in the season.
