Sep 29, 2026 · 1h 31m
Raiders test their turnaround against Kansas City
Raiders Not Buying The Hype
The Raiders’ 3-0 start has created real expectations, but the Chiefs matchup will test whether their defensive identity and maturity travel against a major AFC West rival.
- 1The Raiders’ maturity shows in their refusal to celebrate 3-0, with Clint Kubiak emphasizing weekly improvement and leadership.
- 2Kansas City will challenge Las Vegas to stop Kenneth Walker, pressure Patrick Mahomes, contain Travis Kelce, and execute for four quarters.
- 3Brock Bowers and an aggressive defense anchor a turnaround that analysts increasingly view as legitimate rather than a fluke.
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Levi Edwards lays out the four-quarter execution, pressure, and secondary play the Raiders need to turn a 3-0 start into genuine legitimacy against Kansas City.
The brief
The Raiders enter a major AFC West showdown at 3-0, but the central message from Clint Kubiak is restraint: improve during the week rather than celebrate the first three wins.
Levi Edwards details how Brock Bowers, Clint Kubiak’s formations, and a defense built on pressure have powered the start—and how opponents may adjust now that the scheme is on film.
Kansas City presents the defining test: Las Vegas must handle Kenneth Walker’s rushing threat, pressure Patrick Mahomes, account for Travis Kelce, and avoid opening space for the Chiefs’ other speed threats.
Jeff Sherman explains how the Raiders’ odds have improved dramatically while reviewing the broader NFL landscape, from struggling contenders to quarterback uncertainty and Circa Survivor’s shrinking field.
Chris Myers calls the Raiders’ 3-0 record a legitimate turnaround, while comparing their rise with concerns around the Chargers, Bills, Packers, Buccaneers, and Browns.