Look, the 3-0 start from the Raiders has got everyone talking, but pump the brakes on calling them an AFC contender right now. Yeah, I hear you, the buzz is real, and new head coach Klint Kubiak looks like a slam dunk hire. Kirk Cousins has been absolutely red-hot, tossing nine touchdown passes through three games. That’s allowed them to keep No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza on the bench, letting him learn the ropes. Plus, the offensive line has been solid, and they’ve got strength at tight end with Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer, and running back with rookie Mike Washington Jr. Tre Tucker is even emerging at wide receiver, averaging a career-high 63.0 receiving yards per game.
Don’t Get Fooled by the Early Numbers
But let’s get real, we’re talking about a deep postseason run, not just a playoff spot. That’s pushing it way too far right now. Seriously, the revamped defense has been promising, with new additions like linebacker Nakobe Dean and rookies Treydan Stukes and Hezekiah Masses, who was even the AFC Defensive Player of the Week in Week 2. All that looks good on paper, but you gotta look at the schedule. Their 3-0 start came against the Dolphins, Chargers, and Saints, teams that are combined for a pathetic 0-6 record right now. You calling that a gauntlet? Nah.
We’re going to find out exactly how good the Raiders are in the coming weeks. They’ve got the Chiefs in Week 4, the Bills in Week 6, and the Rams in Week 7. That’s when we’ll see if they can hang with the big dogs. And what happens when defenses key in on Brock Bowers? He’s a two-time Pro Bowler, but he’s their only true receiving threat at tight end. Even though they went 2-0 before he debuted, that’s a tiny sample size against those weak teams. Outside of Tucker, no other wide receiver on the roster is averaging more than 17.3 yards. And Ashton Jeanty, the No. 6 overall pick from the 2025 draft, hasn’t been efficient at all, averaging just 3.3 rushing yards per carry. Kubiak’s done an awesome job, and they’ve totally exceeded expectations, giving themselves a nice cushion, but calling them an AFC contender is just too much.
Purdy’s Ridiculous Efficiency Makes Him an MVP Frontrunner
Now, let’s flip the script to a take I can totally get behind: Brock Purdy for MVP. Fact, all day long! Through three weeks, Purdy has been the NFL’s best quarterback, hands down. The dude is playing ridiculously efficient football, and the numbers don’t lie. He leads the entire league in passer rating with an insane 133.1. Think about that for a second! And it’s not just that. He’s also leading the league in expected points added per dropback at a whopping +0.63. That’s efficiency at an elite level, and he’s doing it consistently. He’s making a serious case for MVP, and I’m here for it.
The Raiders have a huge test coming up against the Chiefs in Week 4, which will tell us a lot more about where they stand. Meanwhile, Purdy and his team will continue to push, with everyone watching to see if he can keep up this unbelievable pace.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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