Kansas City Chiefs vs. Las Vegas Raiders: Reliving Last Season’s Rivalry Fire Before Tonight’s Clash on ESPN
Few rivalries in the NFL capture as much raw emotion, history, and sheer intensity as Kansas City vs. Las Vegas. The Chiefs and the Raiders have never been just division rivals — they’re two franchises that genuinely dislike each other, forged by decades of bruising encounters and unforgettable moments. And as they meet again tonight on ESPN, fans are ready to relive every ounce of that energy.
Before the new battle begins, let’s look back at last season’s dramatic encounters between these AFC West giants — a rivalry that defined toughness, tested tempers, and once again proved that pride means everything in football.
Last Season’s Showdown: A Rivalry Rekindled
When the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders faced off last season, both teams were in completely different emotional spaces. Kansas City, led by the ever-calm Patrick Mahomes, was chasing another Super Bowl run. The Raiders, under new leadership, were fighting to regain respect and consistency after a chaotic offseason. But when these two teams meet, the records don’t matter — the fire always does.
The first matchup came with the Raiders desperate for a statement. Playing in front of a deafening Arrowhead Stadium crowd, Las Vegas came out swinging. Running back Josh Jacobs bulldozed through Kansas City’s front line early, setting the tone for a physical game. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, in one of his strongest outings of the season, connected with Davante Adams for a 38-yard touchdown that silenced the red sea of fans — at least for a moment.
Kansas City responded the way champions do. Mahomes found Travis Kelce in the end zone twice before halftime, including one dazzling one-handed grab that reminded everyone why their connection remains the gold standard in the league. But even with Mahomes working his magic, the Raiders refused to fold. Their defense forced turnovers, and edge rusher Maxx Crosby relentlessly hunted the Chiefs’ quarterback, recording two sacks and countless pressures.
By the fourth quarter, tension was sky-high. The Raiders led 24–21 after Jacobs broke free for another touchdown run. But as so often happens, Mahomes delivered when it mattered most. With under five minutes left, he orchestrated a flawless 80-yard drive, capped by a dart to rookie Rashee Rice for the go-ahead score. The Chiefs sealed the 31–24 victory with a late interception by L’Jarius Sneed, sending Arrowhead into a frenzy.
It wasn’t just a win — it was a message: the Chiefs were still the kings of the AFC West.
The Rematch in Vegas: Revenge and Redemption
When the rematch rolled around in Las Vegas later that season, emotions were still raw. The Raiders wanted payback, and the Allegiant Stadium crowd came alive like never before. From the opening kickoff, you could feel the hostility.
Las Vegas struck first again, this time with a trick play that had everyone talking — a halfback pass from Jacobs to Hunter Renfrow for a touchdown. The Chiefs looked rattled early, committing penalties and struggling to find rhythm against the Raiders’ aggressive defensive front.
But just when it looked like the Raiders had momentum, Mahomes turned on his trademark composure. He spread the ball efficiently, hitting Marquez Valdes-Scantling deep and Isiah Pacheco on short screens that slowly wore down the defense. Then came the play that defined the game: on third-and-long near midfield, Mahomes escaped what looked like a sure sack, rolled to his left, and launched a cross-body throw that found Kelce in stride for a 42-yard touchdown.
From there, the Chiefs never looked back. The offense opened up, the defense tightened, and by the fourth quarter, Kansas City had turned a close contest into a statement. Final score: Chiefs 34, Raiders 20.
Despite the loss, Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said after the game: “That’s what we want to be — physical, relentless, never backing down. We’re not there yet, but we’re coming.” His words hinted that the Raiders weren’t done fighting, and that this rivalry — one of the league’s oldest — was entering a new, fiercer chapter.
What We Learned from Last Season
Last year’s games taught us a lot about both teams. For Kansas City, the takeaway was simple: no matter how tough the opponent or how messy the game, Mahomes and Andy Reid always find a way to win. It’s not always pretty, but it’s efficient, and it’s built on trust, adaptability, and the sheer genius of one of the NFL’s most dynamic duos.
For Las Vegas, the lessons were about identity. The Raiders found flashes of who they want to be — a bruising, fearless team that controls the trenches and challenges even the best with grit and intensity. The emergence of young defenders like Nate Hobbs and the consistency of Crosby gave them a foundation to build on.
The rivalry also reignited the old AFC West energy — a reminder of when every Chiefs-Raiders meeting felt like a heavyweight fight. Both stadiums shook with emotion, both fanbases lived every second, and every play mattered.
What to Expect This Time
Heading into this new showdown, both teams look different — but the stakes remain the same.
Kansas City enters with renewed focus on defense. Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has turned the Chiefs’ unit into one of the most disciplined in the league. Chris Jones continues to dominate the line, while rookie cornerbacks have stepped up in coverage. Offensively, Mahomes still leads with his trademark creativity, and Travis Kelce remains his go-to target, but eyes are also on the younger receivers like Rice and Skyy Moore to carry more of the load.
Las Vegas, on the other hand, has retooled its offense around a more balanced approach. With a new quarterback taking the reins and Jacobs still powering the ground game, the Raiders’ playbook now emphasizes control and time of possession. Their defense, anchored by Crosby, remains their greatest weapon — capable of collapsing pockets and forcing chaos in key moments.
Both teams have something to prove: Kansas City wants to remind the world why they’re the defending champions, while the Raiders want to show they can finally turn their promise into results.
How to Watch the Game
Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN, where the game will be broadcast nationwide. Coverage includes pregame analysis, in-depth commentary, and exclusive locker room insights from ESPN’s NFL crew. The game is also available to stream through the ESPN app or ESPN+, accessible on mobile devices, smart TVs, and streaming platforms.
Whether you’re watching from home, at a bar full of fans, or repping your team colors in enemy territory, tonight’s broadcast will capture every roar, every hit, and every high-stakes moment of this rivalry’s next chapter.
Why This Rivalry Still Matters
Chiefs vs. Raiders isn’t just about standings — it’s about pride. It’s about history stretching back to the 1960s, when these two franchises fought for AFL supremacy. It’s about unforgettable names like Len Dawson, Marcus Allen, Rich Gannon, and Derrick Thomas. It’s about moments of controversy, triumph, and heartbreak that have shaped both fanbases for generations.
Every time Kansas City and Las Vegas meet, it’s more than a game — it’s a reminder of what makes the NFL special: tradition, passion, and the unrelenting pursuit of greatness.
So get ready. The Chiefs and the Raiders are back on ESPN — same rivalry, new story.
Because when these two collide, the scoreboard doesn’t just track points — it measures pride, heart, and history.