The Las Vegas Raiders consider the Kansas City Chiefs to be their biggest rivals and it’s easy to see why. Sunday will mark the 131st game between the two. The Chiefs are the only AFC West rival to have a winning record over the Raiders. Kansas City leads the series 73-55-2 all time dating back to 1960. They are also up 2-1 in postseason play. Yet at the same time, the Las Vegas Raiders have many great memories at the expense of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Honorable Mentions
One of the most memorable wins for the Las Vegas Raiders took place in 2010. After snapping a rivalry record nine-game losing streak in 2008, the Raiders split the series in 2008 and 2009. In 2010 they sought to win their first game in Oakland against the Chiefs in eight years. Jacoby Ford helped lead a spirited second-half comeback with a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Jason Campbell also had one of his finest days as a Raider in a 23-20 win.
In 2020, Patrick Mahomes suffered his first loss to the Raiders in a 40-32 shootout. It was also the Raiders’ first win in Kansas City since 2012. Derek Carr outdueled Mahomes for 347 yards and three touchdowns. The win was notable because, after the game, former Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden had the team bus do a victory lap around Arrowhead Stadium. The only other loss Mahomes has suffered against the Raiders was notable, as it saw the Chiefs fall to the Las Vegas Raiders 20-14 on Christmas Day in 2023.
3. 2017 Thursday Night Showdown
The 2017 Oakland Raiders were one of the most disappointing teams in NFL history. For one night only, they put it all together and showcased some of the magic that made the 2016 team special. Kansas City had swept the Raiders the year before, including a controversial game where a potential Raiders comeback was snuffed out by a low-hanging Spidercam. That loss cost them a potential division title. The first chance at revenge was a Thursday night rematch in Oakland where the 5-1 Kansas City Chiefs met the 2-4 Raiders.
The game had more excitement than any other game that season. A brawl saw Marshawn Lynch get ejected for grabbing a referee. Chiefs Quarterback Alex Smith threw a pass that bounced off Raiders defender Keith McGill and somehow ended up as a Chiefs touchdown. On that night, Carr was on the top of his game and would not be denied. A last-second drive saw dramatics as the Raiders ran multiple untimed plays before Carr threw a game-winning touchdown to Michael Crabtree.
2. 1970 ‘The Late Hit’
One of the most intense periods in the history of the Raiders-Chiefs rivalry was in the 1960s and 1970s. Both teams were at the top of the AFL and AFC. In addition, Kansas City was bitter toward the city of Oakland after the A’s relocated from Kansas City to Oakland in 1968. Each team had also eliminated the other to reach the Super Bowl in 1967 and 1969. In 1970, the two teams met in primetime in Kansas City.
The Chiefs had a lead late in the game, and Hall of Fame Quarterback Len Dawson ran for a first down to ice the game. At that moment Las Vegas Raiders Defensive Lineman Ben Davidson put Dawson down with authority by putting his helmet directly into Dawson’s back. Chiefs Hall of Fame receiver Otis Taylor took exception to this and both teams broke out into a massive brawl, leading to offsetting penalties. The Raiders stopped the Chiefs and Hall of Fame Kicker/Quarterback George Blanda kicked a 49-yard field goal to end the game in a tie. Later in the season, the Chiefs lost to the Raiders in a game that decided who made the playoffs that year.
1. 1999: The Streak Is Dead
The 1990s portion of the rivalry belonged to Marty Schottenheimer and the Chiefs. Between 1960 and 1995, the series lead belonged to the Raiders. Schottenheimer shifted the rivalry and dominated the Raiders in a way nobody had before. Between 1989 and 1998, the Raiders went 3-18 and hadn’t won at Arrowhead Stadium since 1988. Schottenheimer retired following the 1998 season, and the Chiefs needed to beat the Raiders once again at home to make the playoffs, this time after the New Year.
Rich Gannon wanted to spoil his former team’s chances of making it to the playoffs. It didn’t start well as the Chiefs jumped out to a 17-0 lead. The Raiders fought back to make it 21-17. Both teams then fought over the lead until the game went into overtime. Following a botched kickoff by Chiefs Kicker Joe Nedney kicked home a 33-yard field goal to win it. In the 90s they would have folded, but from 2000-2002 the Las Vegas Raiders proved they could win those close games.
For More Great Content
Craving top-tier content that covers it all? From electrifying sports highlights and insider entertainment news to expert gaming tips and sharp betting advice, we’ve got you covered. Dive into our curated articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the lowdown on gaming strategies that could level up your play. Plus, our betting advice will sharpen your edge and boost your chances of winning big.
Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, our content is your go-to source for all things exciting and relevant. Don’t miss out; explore now and power up your knowledge! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports to stay informed.
