4 things Chiefs must do to beat Raiders and take control of AFC West

The Kansas City Chiefs have come out of the gate strong and have started the season 3-0 after wins against the Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, and Miami Dolphins. Kenneth Walker leads the NFL in rushing yards, Patrick Mahomes is top five in passing yards, and Travis Kelce is second among tight ends in receiving yards. Now, going into Week 4, the Chiefs will face an unexpected test with the Raiders, who have also started the year with three consecutive wins.

It is still early, but the Las Vegas Raiders have already shocked the league with their performance to start the year. Despite having the worst record in football in 2025, the Raiders have seemed to turn the page behind Kirk Cousins, Ashton Jeanty, and the return of Brock Bowers. The Chiefs will have a lot on their hands as Vegas looks to continue its early-season run and knock off its division rival. So how can the Chiefs keep the ball rolling to start the year 4-0?

Lean on play-action passes to slow Maxx Crosby

The Chiefs were 14-for-14 on play-action passes, totaling over 200 yards and a touchdown. This new style of offense has eased the pressure on Patrick Mahomes and the receivers to create offense. Instead, it forces opposing defenses to remain disciplined throughout the game to slow down a grueling rushing attack headlined by Kenneth Walker.

The Raiders have a strong defense, allowing just 18 points per game in this early three-game stretch. Superstar Maxx Crosby has logged 1.5 sacks, but don't let that number fool you; he has been on a tear. The Chiefs will need to do whatever they can to keep Crosby from taking over; running the ball away from him and using play-action passes will be their best bet.

Get Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice involved over the middle

The Raiders run an extremely zone-heavy defense, with man coverage only accounting for about 12% of their defensive snaps. Travis Kelce has historically been one of the best pass catchers in the NFL against zone coverage, and the Chiefs will want to rely on his veteran presence often against the Raiders. Rashee Rice, on the other hand, has also been great this season against zone coverage, and his ability to create offense on crossing patterns will be important for the Chiefs' offense on Sunday.

Eliminate the special teams mistakes

The Chiefs' special teams unit (outside of Harrison Butker) has been a disaster this season. In Week 1 alone, the Chiefs' special teams unit had four penalties called against it, and its struggles to improve field position continued into the following weeks. The Raiders have an exceptional defensive unit, and the Chiefs cannot afford to sacrifice field position. The Chiefs kept Nikko Remigio on the roster to be their return man; it's time the rest of the special teams unit lets him do what he does best.

Smother Brock Bowers in coverage with L'Jarius Sneed

The Raiders have several weapons on their offense, none better than All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers. After a late-season knee procedure to trim his meniscus, Bowers missed the first two games of the season. Despite this, in Week 3, Bowers made his season debut and is already second on the team in receiving yards. The Chiefs have experience with elite tight ends after a decade of having Travis Kelce, so they know the importance of slowing down Bowers.

The Chiefs will want to bracket Bowers in coverage. In zone coverage, the Chiefs can use a linebacker to contain the inside and may look to use their slot corner, L'Jarius Sneed, to contain the outside. Sneed has struggled some in coverage this year, but his skill set matches up well with Bowers, and his physicality will allow him to hold his own. Outside of Bowers, the Raiders do not have a strong group of pass catchers, and containing him will be the Chiefs' primary focus.

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