AFC West Showdown
Undefeated Raiders and Chiefs Prepare for High-Stakes AFC West Showdown
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Key Points
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Mahomes has never lost at Allegiant Stadium, despite being sacked six times there by Crosby—a notable contrast heading into the matchup.
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Both stars were returning from significant knee issues: Mahomes spent the offseason recovering from ACL and LCL injuries, while Crosby was working back from a knee injury.
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Crosby’s path into the season included failed trade discussions and injury-related complications; after returning in Las Vegas’ win over Miami, he urged patience, saying, “You don’t win the race in three weeks. It’s a marathon.”
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The Raiders’ 3-0 start marked a dramatic turnaround from their 3-14 finish the previous season, under new head coach Klint Kubiak.
The undefeated Raiders and Chiefs enter Week 4 both sitting at 3–0, setting up a rare AFC West clash where both teams remain perfect. AOL reported that the matchup will pit Maxx Crosby, the Raiders' star edge rusher, against Patrick Mahomes in what Crosby called "war" on his podcast, while both players praised each other's competitive fire ahead of their Sunday showdown at Allegiant Stadium.
Both stars return from major offseason knee surgeries. Mahomes recovered from ACL and LCL tears suffered in December, while Crosby worked back from meniscus surgery in January. Despite their health challenges, Crosby texted Mahomes in August saying "Hey, we're both back", setting the stage for their highly anticipated divisional duel.
Two Undefeated Teams Battle for Division Control
The Raiders' 3–0 start marks a stunning turnaround from their dismal 3–14 finish last season. New head coach Klint Kubiak has transformed Las Vegas' defense, which allowed zero fourth-quarter points through their first three games. Yahoo Sports highlighted that this Week 4 matchup is crucial for both franchises seeking to establish early dominance in the AFC West.
Kansas City enters undefeated under Patrick Mahomes, who has never lost at Allegiant Stadium despite being sacked six times there by Crosby. Mahomes leads the league with 36 career touchdowns against the Raiders, his best record against any single opponent, entering their Sunday clash.
Crosby's 'War' Warning and Mahomes' Measured Response
Crosby made his competitive intentions clear on his podcast, declaring: "It's war. There's no other words needed." After Las Vegas' victory over Miami, he tempered expectations with realism: "You don't win the race in three weeks. It's a marathon." His fiery approach reflects the Raiders' renewed confidence under Kubiak.
Mahomes responded to Crosby's challenge with respect rather than aggression. He recalled Crosby's text message and said: "He's one of the best competitors in the league. That's where the respect comes from." The Chiefs quarterback plans to bring his full intensity to face the dominant Raiders pass rusher on Sunday.
Crosby's Complicated Offseason and Kubiak's Impact
Crosby's path to Week 4 included failed trade discussions. The Baltimore Ravens offered two first-round draft picks for him but backed out over medical concerns about his knee recovery. Those trade speculations have now quieted, positioning Crosby as a core franchise anchor under Kubiak rather than a potential departure.
Kubiak praised Crosby's retention, saying: "Maxx is the best player on our defense... We lost him, we got him back, our team's better. Hell yeah." The Raiders' leadership change has dramatically shifted Crosby's standing, transforming him from a player in limbo to a centerpiece of the franchise's turnaround.
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