Here come the Chiefs, and Raiders chance to prove fast start is real

The Raiders have spent three weeks giving everyone reasons to reconsider them.Now comes an opportunity to change the conversation entirely.The unbeaten Chiefs arrive at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday for a meeting between 3-0 AFC West rivals, presenting the Raiders with their most revealing examination yet.Beating Kansas City would put them alone atop the division and give their encouraging September a considerably more imposing follow-up.For a team learning how to win under first-year coach Klint Kubiak, the assignment demands another step forward.The Raiders have shown resilience, resourcefulness and an ability to deliver when games tighten.

Their defense has forced a league-leading nine turnovers, while quarterback Kirk Cousins has provided the experience and composure to capitalize on those opportunities.They needed all of it in New Orleans, overcoming an 11-point second-half deficit with 19 unanswered points in a 35-27 victory.The defense took the ball away on the Saints’ final four possessions, repeatedly giving the offense opportunities to complete the comeback.It was an impressive response.

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By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story Against Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, the Raiders would be wise to avoid needing another rescue mission.Kansas City brings a familiar quarterback-coach partnership and a new complication in running back Kenneth Walker III.

His ability to turn a crease into a substantial gain makes the Chiefs more difficult to defend and creates additional opportunities for Mahomes to manipulate linebackers and safeties with play-action.Walker scored rushing and receiving touchdowns in Kansas City’s 24-10 victory over Miami last week.Mahomes completed 20 of 24 passes for 246 yards and two touchdowns, offering a reminder of how efficiently this offe...