Sunday's game between the Las Vegas Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs certainly won't lack spirit, as the Week 4 grudge match will determine who gets bragging rights in the AFC West in this early portion of the 2026 NFL season. It's the biggest Raiders game in years; at least that is how it feels.
And as with any game between two undefeated divisional foes, it should be a closely contested battle that comes down to the wire. So, Klint Kubiak's team must be on its P's and Q's when Patrick Mahomes and Co. step into Allegiant Stadium. They can't give an inch, or the Chiefs will take a mile.
This is especially true in the biggest matchups of the game, as they can dramatically tilt the balance and go a long way in determining the outcome. Let's examine the three biggest matchups in this bout between Las Vegas and Kansas City.
3 big matchups that will decide Raiders-Chiefs in Week 4
Kirk Cousins vs. Steve Spagnuolo's blitzes
Spagnuolo has given the Raiders fits over the years by dialing up the pressure with blitzes. But here's the kicker: Cousins is actually thriving against the blitz so far in 2026. This should be a great chess match between a veteran signal-caller and one of the game's best defensive minds.
If Kansas City can prevent Cousins from getting rid of the ball quickly and pressure him, then the Las Vegas offense may struggle. But if the Raiders are ready for it, and they should be, then Spags and the Chiefs' defense could have a long day at the office with an already inconsistent pass rush.
Raiders' run defense vs. Chiefs' Kenneth Walker III
There is no other way to paint this than to say that Rob Leonard's unit has its hands FULL with Walker III. He is breaking tackles at an unbelievable rate, and the Kansas City offense is run-first behind the league's leading rusher. Walker III has been remarkable, and the Raiders' run defense has not.
Las Vegas is giving up 4.5 yards per carry, and Andy Reid won't stop calling run plays until Leonard and his group prove that they can stop it. The Raiders could stifle the Chiefs early and surprise them with their prowess, or it could be a game of long, sustained drives for Mahomes, Walker and Reid.
Maxx Crosby vs. Patrick Mahomes
When these two go toe-to-toe, it is always a lively faceoff. As much respect as the two have for each other, man, do they love embarrassing each other in front of an audience. If Crosby can get home and sack Mahomes once or twice, that will change things. Sacks are drive-and-mentality-altering.
But if Mahomes wiggles free of Crosby and stays clean, as he constantly does, then that will put tons of pressure on the Raiders' secondary. Of course, Malcolm Koonce and others need to bring their best as well, but Mahomes vs. Crosby is a battle as old as time, and one that will matter immensely.
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