By Alan Snel, LVSportsBiz.com Publisher-Writer
LAS VEGAS, Nevada — It’s been a rough few years for the Las Vegas Raiders. Losses piled up. Coaches came and went. Fans wearing visiting colors filled many seats at Allegiant Stadium.
But on Sunday, things changed.
The Raiders already have as many wins this year as they piled up last season.
The difference is new head coach Klint Kubiak. He has the Raiders playing clutch situational football, cutting down on the mistakes, creating turnovers on defense and relying on a veteran signal caller who threw nine TDs in the first three wins. Plus, an awful offensive line in 2025 has been transformed into a solid unit anchored by center Tyler Linderbaum.
And there’s a palpable buzz inside this domed stadium as the Raiders are playing a game of major significance.
The Raiders are hosting their division rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs, and both teams are undefeated at 3-0.
The Raiders scored first on a well-executed pass play by quarterback Kirk Cousins, who threw a perfect ball to receiver Ian Thomas for 27 yards. The Chiefs countered with a short Patrick Mahomes two-yard TD throw to Tyquan Thornton.
The atmosphere intensity inside the building was terrific, with the 60,000 or so fans split between Raiders black and Chiefs red.
A Matt Gay field goal gave the Raiders a 10-7 lead after they chewed up a lot of clock in the second quarter after the 15-play drive.
A gorgeous Mahomes pass completion set up a short Harrison Butker field goal and the division showdown was deadlocked at ten apiece.
A Cousins 17-yard completion to tight end Michael Mayer set up a Gay field goal at the first half buzzer and the Raiders seized a 13-10 lead going into halftime.
Kubiak to CBS at halftime: “Gotta be better, but you know what? We’re winning. We’re gonna win the game.”