The Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders are set to take the field at Allegiant Stadium for a highly anticipated Week 4 showdown that could have massive implications for the AFC West standings later this year.
As two of the NFL's last remaining undefeated teams, the Chiefs and Raiders both have a lot riding on this early-season matchup, and the game is likely to be closer than some experts expected just a few months ago.
Take a look at Chiefs Wire's staff predictions for Kansas City's Week 4 tilt with Las Vegas:
Ed Easton Jr.'s prediction
The undefeated AFC West duel is the Kansas City Chiefs' first look at the revamped Las Vegas Raiders. The Chiefs have a new offense but will need to rely on their defense again to control the Week 4 matchup.
All eyes will be on reigning
AFC Offensive Player of the Month Kenneth Walker III and Offensive Rookie of the Month Kahlil Benson. The Raiders' pass rush continues to be led by Maxx Crosby, who has notoriously played well against Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs will need deep shots downfield, and Xavier Worthy could have that highly anticipated breakout game in Las Vegas.
Defensively, the pressure needs to be applied to Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins, with the Kansas City front four trying to secure sacks this week. Mansoor Delane continues to prove his worth as a top draft pick, and he has another chance to show the world he's a developing star. The Allegiant Stadium crowd will be loud as the Raiders try to prove they are contenders this season.
Final score: Chiefs 35, Raiders 17
Samuel Teets' prediction
There are plenty of parallels between Kansas City’s and Las Vegas’ rosters, including their reliance on young defenders playing significant snaps and the preference to funnel targets to star tight ends. Both teams have plenty of question marks in their secondaries and wide receiver rooms.
The outcome of this game hinges on which defensive front creates the most drive-wrecking moments. Las Vegas has a good Batman and Robin pairing with Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce. The Chiefs don’t have the same quality of edge rushers, but their rotation is deeper. Chris Jones needs a few vintage moments to make 38-year-old Kirk Cousins uncomfortable stepping up in the pocket.
Kansas City’s offense continued increasing Rashee Rice’s workload in Week 3. That trend needs to continue because the Raiders have explosive, rangy linebackers who could impact Travis Kelce’s workload and Kenneth Walker’s effectiveness.
Final score: Chiefs 27, Raiders 21
Jon Ediger's prediction
The Chiefs and Raiders have one of the league's fiercest rivalries, which always makes for a heated and highly anticipated matchup.
Despite vintage quarterback play from Patrick Mahomes through the first four weeks, running back Kenneth Walker has been the highlight of Kansas City's offense this season. The reigning Super Bowl MVP leads the league in rushing and will face Las Vegas' below-average run defense. Raiders' defensive end Maxx Crosby will likely cause trouble for Mahomes on Sunday, so putting the ball in Walker's hands will be crucial.
The Chiefs' secondary has been the defense's saving grace this season, as the team's pass rush has been virtually nonexistent. Kansas City's front seven will need to show up this week if they want any chance of extending their win streak. Las Vegas' offensive line is relatively young and inexperienced, so the Chiefs' defense should have no trouble finding quarterback Kirk Cousins in the backfield.
Final score: Chiefs 32, Raiders 27
John Dillon's prediction
The Chiefs are a well-oiled machine through three weeks, and the absence of second-year left tackle Josh Simmons has been the only factor working against Kansas City's favor on the injury report. As long as Patrick Mahomes, Kenneth Walker III, and Travis Kelce stay healthy, I have faith that the Chiefs' offense will continue scoring enough points to defeat most opponents.
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has shown me enough that I'm convinced that Kansas City can shut down the likes of Kirk Cousins, Ashton Jeanty, and Brock Bowers, but I still expect Las Vegas to make this game interesting in front of a home crowd.
I'll pick the Chiefs to win by less than a field goal in an instant-classic AFC West stunner that will leave Kansas City as the conference's final undefeated team after the Buffalo Bills lose to the New England Patriots.
Final score: Chiefs 26, Raiders 24
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Predictions for Kansas City Chiefs vs. Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4
