Raiders off to surprising 3-0 start as unbeaten Chiefs set to visit

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Klint Kubiak, the first-year coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, dismisses any playoff discussion just three weeks into the season. Despite this, the Raiders have an impressive 3-0 record and are set to face the 3-0 Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday. Kubiak emphasized the team's maturity, strong leadership, and goal-oriented nature, stating that they are not satisfied with their recent performances.

The Chiefs represent a challenging stretch of schedule that includes games against New England, Buffalo, and the Los Angeles Rams.

Historically, teams that start 3-0 in the playoffs have had a high success rate. Since the playoff field expanded to seven teams in 2020, 23 of the 28 clubs opening 3-0 made the postseason. In the previous six-per-conference format from 1990-2019, 109 of 148 teams that began 3-0 advanced. The Raiders' last 3-0 start was in 2021, and they made the playoffs that year as well.

Kubiak expressed admiration for his team's resilience, particularly after erasing an 11-point second-half deficit to win 35-27 against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Quarterback Kirk Cousins, who is 38 years old, has become the first quarterback to start a season with three wins and three touchdown passes since Russell Wilson in 2020.

Despite the loss of tight end Brock Bowers, who missed the first two games due to knee surgery, the Raiders' ground game has been inconsistent, with Washington and starter Ashton Jeanty rushing for only 74 yards on 23 attempts.