Patrick Mahomes did what Patrick Mahomes usually does, and the Chiefs still walked out of Las Vegas with something even more unsettling for the rest of the AFC: a running back who can tilt the whole game.
Kenneth Walker III put together his biggest outing since arriving in Kansas City on Sunday, ripping off 177 rushing yards and two touchdowns in a 30-27 win over the Raiders. The Chiefs moved to 4-0, and Walker gave them a different kind of threat to pair with Mahomes.
Mahomes finished with 225 passing yards and two touchdowns, but Walker was the player who kept Kansas City on schedule and then slammed the door when it mattered most. His 2-yard touchdown with 3:21 left pushed the Chiefs ahead 23-19.
Kansas City then took advantage of a Raiders kickoff fumble, and Walker found the end zone again to help build enough cushion to survive Las Vegas’ late push. It was the kind of performance that showed exactly why the Chiefs went after him during the offseason.
For years, defenses have had to bend and guess because of Mahomes. Safeties can’t cheat too far forward because Kansas City can strike downfield.
Linebackers have to stay alert when Mahomes starts extending plays. Blitzing comes with its own punishment.
Now there’s another layer. Opponents may also have to account for Walker, and that’s a tough assignment on top of everything else Kansas City already puts on a defense.
The Chiefs didn’t cruise. Kirk Cousins threw for 365 yards, and the Raiders stayed in it until a late interception ended their final possession.
Kansas City also left with injury concerns. Rashee Rice left with a hamstring issue, and Tyquan Thornton was carted off after a 55-yard catch late in the fourth quarter.
Thornton was excellent before going down, finishing with five receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns.
Those injuries will need to be watched.
Still, the Chiefs keep winning. They’re 4-0, Mahomes has now gone unbeaten in six starts against the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium, and Walker just gave this offense a reminder that it no longer has to run entirely through the quarterback. That may be the scariest part for everyone else in the AFC.
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Christian Gonzalez and Christian Barmore were among the most notable names, with Gonzalez expected to remain out and Barmore possibly limited to some activities. The Patriots do have a few players on injured reserve who are eligible to return, but coach Mike Vrabel said it does not sound like any of them are likely to be activated this week, leaving the Raiders with a clearer path to attack a defense that may be piecing things together on the fly. [Read more 🡒]