Chiefs vs Raiders Preview: Can the Powerful 3-0 Raiders Win?

Dustin JudgeDustin Judge
Sep 14, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III (9) runs the ball during the first half against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

The Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders are both 3-0, and only one will leave Allegiant Stadium unbeaten. Our Chiefs vs Raiders preview covers Sunday’s AFC West showdown, which kicks off at 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS.

Kansas City is a 4½-point favorite, according to NFL.com, with an over/under of 47.5. Against the spread, the Chiefs are 2-1 and the Raiders are 3-0.

Chiefs vs Raiders preview: Kansas City’s outlook

Patrick Mahomes can earn his 99th regular-season win Sunday, which would tie Tom Brady for the most by a quarterback through his first 130 games, CBS Sports reported. Brady is a Raiders minority owner.

Travis Kelce has caught a pass in 194 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the NFL. Chris Jones has 87½ career sacks, two behind Tamba Hali for second in franchise history. Running back Kenneth Walker III leads the league in rushing, and Chiefs coach Andy Reid is 6-1 at Allegiant Stadium.

The Chiefs’ defensive front pressures quarterbacks on 52.6% of rushes, the third-highest rate in the league. That matters against a Raiders line that has been vulnerable at times. Read about the Josh Simmons injury before kickoff.

Raiders’ path to 4-0

Las Vegas won its third straight game by beating New Orleans 35-27 in a comeback. Kirk Cousins has thrown three touchdown passes in each game, and first-year coach Klint Kubiak is the third Raiders coach to start 3-0, joining John Madden and Bill Callahan.

Tight end Brock Bowers caught 10 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown last week after missing two games, and he was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week. Running back Ashton Jeanty has been met at or behind the line of scrimmage on 44.4% of his carries, the third-highest rate in the league.

The defense has not allowed a fourth-quarter point this season, and Las Vegas leads the league with a plus-5 turnover differential.

Prediction picks

Four of five NFL.com analysts pick the Chiefs, with predictions ranging from 23-21 to 28-21. One analyst picked the Raiders 26-24.

Dustin Judge

Dustin Judge is the Founder and CEO of Total Apex Media, bringing more than 20 years of writing and editorial experience to the company's growing network of digital publications. He specializes in sports, sports betting, fantasy sports, and digital publishing, with a focus on producing accurate, timely, and engaging content for readers. Dustin oversees editorial strategy, content development, and publishing operations across Total Apex Media while remaining actively involved in sports, betting, and fantasy sports coverage.