LAS VEGAS — Patrick Mahomes preserved his unblemished record at Allegiant Stadium, and Kenneth Walker III rushed for 177 yards and two touchdowns to help the Kansas City Chiefs outlast the Las Vegas Raiders 30-27 on Sunday.
The victory keeps the Chiefs undefeated at 4-0 early in the season, though it came with a heavy cost. Wide receiver Tyquan Thornton hauled in five catches for 111 yards and two scores—including a vital 55-yard reception that set up the go-ahead score—before suffering a gruesome-looking left leg injury that required him to be carted off the field. Kansas City also lost wideout Rashee Rice to a hamstring injury in the first quarter.
A Fourth-Quarter Battle
Las Vegas (surprising early-season contenders under first-year coach Klint Kubiak) controlled the tempo early, taking a 13-10 lead into the final period. Kirk Cousins put up a stellar performance for the Raiders, passing for 365 yards and two touchdowns to snap his personal seven-game winning streak. Brock Bowers added six receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown while playing through an illness.
However, the Chiefs’ offense awakened in the fourth quarter. Walker busted free for a 76-yard run late in the third frame, setting up a touchdown pass from Mahomes to Thornton.
After Matt Gay kicked two field goals to reclaim a 19-17 lead for Las Vegas with 4:53 remaining, Mahomes engineered a classic clutch response. He orchestrated a go-ahead drive capped by Walker’s 2-yard touchdown run with 3:21 left, which was immediately followed by a Raiders fumble on the ensuing kickoff that allowed Walker to punch in another score.
Late-Game Drama
Cousins and the Raiders refused to fold. The veteran quarterback led a quick response, hitting Bowers for a 20-yard touchdown with 1:46 remaining to cut the deficit to three. Las Vegas forced a stop and drove to midfield in the final minute, but Cousins’ late pass was intercepted, sealing the win for Kansas City.
With the victory, Mahomes improved to a perfect 6-0 in starts at Allegiant Stadium, adding to his career triumphs in Las Vegas that include a Super Bowl title. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid also extended his venue record, notching his seventh win at the stadium.
Up Next
- Chiefs: Enjoy a bye week before hosting the Los Angeles Chargers on Oct. 18.
