For the better part of a decade, the Kansas City Chiefs have cast an imposing shadow over the AFC West, ruling with a dynasty that's been hard to challenge. Yet, fans of the Las Vegas Raiders know the added sting of watching their team struggle to claim even the second spot in the division hierarchy.
It's been tough when opportunities like a slumping Broncos or Chargers team haven't translated into consistent playoff appearances via the Wild Card route. But there’s a shimmer of hope as the Chiefs showed vulnerability in their Super Bowl loss to the Eagles.
The Eagles exposed a potential chink in Kansas City's armor by consistently pressuring Patrick Mahomes, throwing their offensive rhythm off balance. This game might have sketched a crucial blueprint that teams, particularly the Raiders, could use to topple the reigning champions.
Defensive strategy could be where the Raiders find their lane, particularly when it comes to attacking the Chiefs' uncertainties at the left tackle position. According to ESPN’s Ben Solak, the Chiefs struggled with that spot last season and haven’t fully patched it up during the offseason.
The additions of Jaylon Moore and Josh Simmons may be gambles rather than solutions. Moore didn’t crack the starting lineup in San Francisco, and Simmons still has hurdles to jump coming back from a significant knee injury at Ohio State.
This situation may be the opening Las Vegas has been waiting for, especially when it involves their formidable defensive line. When they're healthy, the Raiders boast one of the top pass-rushing squads in the league. Imagine Maxx Crosby, Malcolm Koonce, Christian Wilkins, and Adam Butler pinning their ears back and going after Mahomes—it's a scenario ripe with potential to tip the scales.
Conversations about limiting Mahomes' magic with the Silver and Black typically center on how disruptive a constant pass rush can be. In those rare instances that the Raiders have managed to best him, it’s been that relentless pressure up front that's done the trick.
Add to this picture a somewhat declining Travis Kelce and a wide receiving corps that’s in the throes of injuries, off-the-field drama, and inexperience, and 2025 might just be the year the Chiefs’ crown actually wobbles.
Yet, Chiefs fans know—a sense of déjà vu looms. Every new season feels like the one where cracks in Kansas City’s armor will spell their downfall, but until another team seizes the throne, that’s all it is—a feeling.
Even so, the Raiders have reason to gear up with confidence. If the tackle woes in Kansas City continue to simmer beneath the surface, the time could be nigh for Las Vegas to turn opportunity into reality and rise from the ashes of missed chances.
