3 Reasons Raiders can Upset Chiefs in Undefeated Showdown

The linebacker play in Las Vegas has improved dramatically this season, mostly due to Nakobe Dean’s presence. The Raiders signed Dean to a three-year deal this offseason, and he has helped turn the defense around. 

Dean has improved the Raiders’ run defense. He has 14 run stops, the third most in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus. He is also tied for the league lead in forced fumbles with three. He has been a playmaker from the second level in the defense.

That will be critical to beat this version of the Chiefs. Kansas City is leaning on the running game more than usual with Kenneth Walker in the backfield. Walker leads the NFL with 360 rushing yards this season. Dean will be needed to stop the Chiefs’ rushing attack. 

Brock Bowers

If the Raiders are going to beat Kansas City, the best player on the team will certainly need to show out. After having knee surgery, Brock Bowers returned in Week 3 and dominated the Saints. The tight end caught 10 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown in the Raiders’ win. 

Bowers is the star of the offense. He is the one player the Raiders know they can count on to produce. Even if Kansas City focuses on Bowers, he will still need to produce to give the Raiders’ offense a chance.

Turnovers

One way to swing any game is to take the ball away. The Raiders have forced nine turnovers this season, the most in the NFL. 

Two rookies, Hezekiah Masses and Treydan Stukes, have combined for all four Raider interceptions. While Dean, Jeremy Chinn and Malcolm Koonce have all forced multiple fumbles. The takeaways have come from all three levels of the defense. 

The Raiders have been phenomenal at getting the ball back for the offense. If that continues, Las Vegas will have a great shot at being the leaders of the AFC West after four weeks.