The AFC West is about to get absolutely wild, because the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders are going head-to-head in Week 3, and both squads are rocking a perfect record. This isn’t just any game, folks; the winner of this Vegas showdown snags sole possession of first place in the division. The Chiefs, fresh off a 24-10 win against the Dolphins, might not have had their cleanest game last week, but they still pulled out a win by two possessions. A big reason for that? Kenneth Walker, who’s been absolutely electric for Kansas City, even winning AFC Player of the Month for September. His presence has fueled an offensive resurgence, putting the Chiefs second in the league in yards per game at 416, and even opening up the passing game for Patrick Mahomes, who looks like he’s back to MVP form. On the other side, the Raiders are flying under first-year head coach Klint Kubiak and new quarterback Kirk Cousins, off to their best start since 2021 thanks to solid defense and a revamped offense. This isn’t just a game; it’s a statement.
Maxx Crosby and the Raiders’ D-Line Are Bringing the Heat
One of the biggest storylines for this game has to be the Raiders’ pass rush, and holy smokes, are they good. They’ve been one of the best teams in the NFL at getting to the quarterback, and it’s not just star defensive end Maxx Crosby. While Crosby definitely draws all the attention, guys like Malcom Koonce and Kwity Paye are cleaning up, with seven different Raiders recording sacks so far this season. The Raiders are tied for fourth in the NFL with 10 sacks through three games, and here’s the kicker: they’re doing it by blitzing on only 21% of their defensive snaps, which is the third-lowest in the entire league! That means their defensive line is just straight-up dominating.
Our Chiefs’ rookie offensive tackle, Kahlil Benson, who just won AFC Rookie of the Month, is in for the biggest test of his young career. The Chiefs’ offensive line has done an adequate job protecting Mahomes, especially with the fierce run game and play-action helping out, but going one-on-one with Crosby is a different beast entirely. You can bet Brian Fleury will keep that play-action attack coming, but all eyes will be on Benson against Crosby.
From Emerald City Glory to AFC West Showdown: An Unforgettable Reunion
Okay, Seattle, listen up because this is the real mind-blower. Remember last February? Klint Kubiak and Kenneth Walker were absolutely instrumental in helping our beloved Seattle Seahawks hoist that Lombardi Trophy. It feels like just yesterday we were celebrating their heroics in the Emerald City. And now? Less than a year later, these two pivotal figures are suddenly adversaries, battling it out in the same division!
Kubiak, who was Walker’s offensive coordinator for that single, magical season where Walker posted the second-highest rushing total of his career, is now calling plays against him. This isn’t just a football game; it’s a crazy, unexpected reunion of two guys who brought us so much joy, now on opposite sides in a huge AFC West battle.
This Week 3 clash in Vegas is more than just an AFC West game. It’s about undefeated streaks, snatching sole possession of first place, and a reunion of two guys who just brought us a Super Bowl. You absolutely have to tune in for this one!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Arrowhead Pride.
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