The Las Vegas Raiders are battling for the AFC West lead when they take the field in Week 4. They will take on their hated rival, the Kansas City Chiefs, and both teams are undefeated, so the winner will sit alone atop the division after Sunday's game.
This will be the Raiders' toughest matchup of the 2026 NFL season so far. The Chiefs have been a high-powered offense for most of the year, so this will be a big challenge for Rob Leonard and the defense.
Luckily, Las Vegas' offense has been one of the league's most consistent units. While the run game efficiency has not been high, the Raiders are putting up points, averaging 29.0 per game. It will be a battle, and here are the keys to victory.
Keys to Raiders winning in Week 4 vs. the Chiefs
Slowing Down Kenneth Walker III
The Raiders' biggest task on Sunday is to slow down Kenneth Walker III. He leads the league in rushing yards and has become the offense's focal point through three games.
While slowing him down is important, it isn't just about Walker. The Chiefs are running play-action passes 32% of their dropbacks this season. Mahomes ranks second in play-action passing yards and has thrown four touchdowns.
Leonard's unit has to slow down the run and force third-and-longs. The Miami Dolphins had success with this strategy against Kansas City last week. Expect to see a lot of Tommy Eichenberg during the game instead of an extra defensive back.
Raiders must utilize play action
Speaking of play-action passing, it will be important for the Raiders to get the play-action game going on offense. With teams loading the box against Ashton Jeanty, Kubiak needs to make this a point of emphasis.
Kirk Cousins has five touchdowns and no interceptions on play-action this season. He is also second in the league in passer rating at 141.0, according to PFF. The Chiefs have struggled this year against play-action concepts, so it's an area Kubiak can exploit.
A heavy play-action passing game can help the run game too. It can force linebackers to stay honest if they fear the play-fake.
Exotic defensive looks
Rob Leonard has been his bag this year when it comes to pressuring the quarterback. This week, it is paramount to make sure it happens against one of the best in the league.
The Chiefs' offensive line has also struggled with stunts this season. The Dolphins have consistently generated pressure with stunts and games from their defensive line.
This is where Leonard has excelled all season, and he could be licking his chops at this matchup. Expect Leonard to turn up the heat on third down and force Mahomes to get rid of the ball quickly.
Add us as a preferred source on Google