There's a well-known mutual admiration society between Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby. The AFC West rivals play each other twice each year, and now that the pair of NFL stars have cemented their veteran status, the shared respect is built on a strong foundation of experience.
Things look a bit different this year for Crosby, at least as far as his team's trajectory is concerned. Despite owning the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft just a few months ago, the Raiders are actually in first place in the division, tied with the Chiefs, at 3-0 overall. They've rolled over the Miami Dolphins, put away the L.A. Chargers, and enjoyed a strong comeback against the New Orleans Saints in Week 3. They've won in myriad ways, and that makes things feel a bit more intense for Sunday's showdown at Allegiant Stadium.
Patrick Mahomes knows Maxx Crosby will bring out his best
Mahomes held his weekly media session with reporters on Wednesday to start a new week of practice. As the Chiefs prep for their first of two games against the Raiders, Mahomes was asked about his relationship with Crosby and their appreciation of the other.
"He's one of the best competitors in the league," said Mahomes. "I mean, that's where the respect comes from. We have that mutual want to be the best on the field when we're out there. When you go against those guys, it brings out the best in you. There's a ton of respect for how he plays the game of football, how he competes, and the man that he is.
"For me, I just know when I step on that football field, I'm going to need my best because he's going to bring his best, and I think that's when you get the best games out there," he continued.
Mahomes sees a very different Raiders team in 2026
Mahomes recognizes that these aren't the same old Raiders, a team that has already matched its win total from a year ago. The Raiders haven't won the AFC West since Rich Gannon was the quarterback nearly a quarter-century ago, but new head coach Klint Kubiak has his team on the right track. Mahomes acknowledged the offseason additions as well as the way they're playing as keys to their newfound success.
"They've brought in a lot of guys that are really good football players, and they've added young, talented guys in there as well ... They have great players everywhere. They fly to the football, and they turn the football over, which is huge in this league. We'll have to match their intensity and execute at a high level, but it'll be a great challenge for us, and we're excited about it."
Crosby is doing his part to let his younger Raiders teammates know what's at stake on Sunday. Crosby has looked up to the Chiefs in the standings every year since he was drafted in 2019. After Sunday's win over the Saints, Crosby was already thinking about the Chiefs' visit and spoke about it in the locker room.
"...it's a great win, but we've got a f***ing great team coming into town. We already know what it is, bro. It's the f***ing Kansas City Chiefs. Enjoy this tonight. Take care of your bodies, and we're on a warpath to get what we want," said Crosby in Week 3.
Maxx Crosby is making sure the Raiders understand what’s at stake
Crosby has done his part over the years, despite a 2-11 all-time record against the Chiefs. He has 6 sacks and 16 quarterback hits in those 13 games. As for Mahomes, he's 13-2 against the Raiders all-time with 36 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions for a passer rating of 107.7.
The Week 4 showdown might be one of the most exciting chapters in the rivalry yet for both players, with so much on the line for both franchises after miserable seasons between them. For Crosby, it might be the first taste of real glory since entering the NFL. For Mahomes, it's about a return to prominence. But expect both players to bring out the best in the other in one of the biggest games on the NFL's slate.
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