The Kansas City Chiefs continue to roll, extending their winning streak to 13 games with a dominant 27-20 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Sunday’s win improved their 2024 record to 7-0, tying a franchise record.
Hopkins Shines in Chiefs Win
One of the biggest storylines entering the game was the debut of newly acquired wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Chiefs fans weren’t disappointed, as Hopkins showed flashes of his brilliance. Targeted three times, Hopkins hauled in two passes for 29 yards, playing a crucial role in helping tight end Travis Kelce rack up 10 catches for 90 yards and a touchdown.
“I thought he did a great job,” quarterback Patrick Mahomes praised. “[On] third down, he had the big catch early in the game — and then he had a couple of other big plays. I missed him on that one corner route early [in the game], but [he] still got open. Then as I looked back at the tablet [on the sideline], there were a couple of times where in man coverage, he was just really working and winning. Even the touchdown to Trav, if you look back on his side, he’s open for a touchdown there. “
Mahomes continued, highlighting Hopkins’ impact: “I mean, obviously, I know the type of player he is — but when you see that on the field, it shows that if they’re going to play man coverage against him, he’s going to get open. I have to give him the chances to go out there and make plays.”
Offensive Balance Powers Chiefs
While Hopkins stole the headlines, the Chiefs’ offense displayed impressive balance. Running back Kareem Hunt provided a steady ground presence, rushing for 59 yards on 21 carries, keeping the Raiders defense honest. Mahomes, meanwhile, showcased his dual-threat capabilities, scrambling for key first downs on a 19-play drive in the third quarter, including a crucial third-and-12 conversion.
“I think guys just did their job,” Mahomes said. “I don’t think it was one [thing] or another. I mean, we ran it sometimes; *I* ran it sometimes. We threw the ball when we needed to throw the ball. That [Las Vegas] defense has a lot of different coverages. Guys were able to recognize the coverages and execute at a high level. I thought we played a pretty good football game offensively.”
Defense Steps Up When Needed
After allowing a touchdown on the Raiders’ opening drive, the Chiefs’ defense clamped down, surrendering only two field goals for the remainder of the game. In a pivotal moment, when a deflected pass was intercepted in the third quarter, giving the Raiders the ball at the Kansas City 3-yard line, the Chiefs’ defense stood tall, forcing Las Vegas to turn the ball over on downs.
“Offensively, we put the defense in a bad position,” Reid acknowledged. “But we held up as a defense. We came out and put our foot down and did a nice job there. That was important.”
Mahomes was in awe of the defensive stand: “In a bad situation, that whole entire unit stepped up when their number was called to make a big-time stop,” he marveled. “That’s what it takes from great football teams. It takes greatness from everybody; it can’t be one guy. That’s what’s made us so great for so long. Throughout my career, it’s not all about me. It’s not all about Trav. It’s about this entire team. That’s what makes it so special.”
The Chiefs’ dominant performance underscores their status as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. At 7-0, they are off to their best start since 2003 and show no signs of slowing down.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Chiefs’ exciting season.