Raiders vs Chiefs: Keys to victory

The Las Vegas Raiders host the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night in a huge AFC West matchup that also marks Patrick Mahomes and co.’s first trip to Allegiant Stadium.

Let’s look at keys for the Raiders as they try to sweep the Chiefs and move within one game of first place in the division.

Believe:
The Raiders need to bring this swagger to the field Sunday.

The Raiders have won three games in a row, they are 6-3 and they are good team. They are clearly having fun and if they play Sunday like they have been playing, the Chiefs will have their hands full.

A confident Las Vegas team is a dangerous one.

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Punch in them in the mouth:
Legend has it that in the ‘90s, every time the Chiefs played the Raiders, Kansas City coach Marty Schottenheimer had a simple message for his squad: “Hit them in the f—king mouth.”

That needs to be Jon Gruden’s message for his crew this week. The Raiders have to come out and bully the Chiefs early. It’s not so much about getting a big early lead because Kansas City knows it can mount a comeback with its potent offense.

It’s more important that the Raiders set a tone, letting Kansas City know that their Week 5 win at Arrowhead Stadium wasn’t a fluke and they mean business. Essentially, the Raiders can’t let the Chiefs get comfortable.

Get to Patrick Mahomes: T
The Raiders had their best pass-rushing game of the season against the Chiefs in Week 5 and it was a big reason why Kansas City only scored eight points in the second half of Las Vegas’ 40-32 win. A similar effort is a must this week. But it won’t be easy, because the Chiefs are healthier on the offensive line this time around and Mahomes knows what to watch for, but the Raiders have to bring it.

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Win turnover battle:
If the Raiders can snag five turnovers like they did against Denver last week, they will be in business. But they don’t need to do that to win. But if the Raiders can win the turnover battle, it will go a long way in upsetting the Chiefs again.

Play cleaner than the Chiefs:
The Chiefs played an extremely sloppy game in Week 5. They had a ton of penalties, including two that negated touchdowns. If the Chiefs play a cleaner game this time around, the Raiders will have to do the same. If the Raiders keep penalties under control, don’t lose the ball and finish drives on offense. they have a real chance of sweeping Kansas City and improving to 7-3.