The Las Vegas Raiders came within reach of a big win over the Kansas City Chiefs, but the narrow loss still left plenty to assess about their fast start. At 3-1, the Raiders now have an early chance to show whether their strong opening was more than just a good beginning.

Speaking on CBS Sports HQ on October 5, former NFL defensive end JJ Watt gave the Las Vegas Raiders a strong assessment despite their loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Watt called the Raiders a “real deal team” while pointing out that they do not beat themselves and have found ways to play solid, quality football.

“They proved they were up to it, weren't quite able to get over that hump with the Chiefs, but they are a real deal team, they don't beat themselves, they find ways to play good, solid quality football, and you would imagine they'll only continue to get better,” JJ Watt said.

The Las Vegas Raiders had entered the Kansas City Chiefs matchup at 3-0, making the Week 4 AFC West clash their first game against an unbeaten opponent, as discussed in the CBS Sports YouTube video.

Their opening wins came against the Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers and New Orleans Saints, giving them an early chance to establish themselves as a serious contender. 

Las Vegas recorded 437 total yards, with Kirk Cousins throwing for 365 yards and two touchdowns. The Raiders also held a 19-17 lead with 4:53 remaining before Kansas City scored twice to take control. 

With the Chiefs loss now behind them, the Las Vegas Raiders have a tougher stretch ahead to build on what they have shown so far. Their next few games will determine whether JJ Watt’s “real deal” assessment continues to hold as the season moves forward.

While Watt’s assessment came from outside the game, the Raiders received a similar acknowledgment from the quarterback who had just faced them.

Patrick Mahomes praises Raiders after narrow Chiefs win

According to ESPN, Patrick Mahomes praised the Las Vegas Raiders after the Chiefs’ narrow win, calling them “a good football team, a good defense.”

“I think you have to stay with it,” Mahomes said, describing the back-and-forth game. “I keep saying it, but it’s not always going to be pretty. That’s a good football team, a good defense. It’s not going to always be light it up ... it’s going to come.” 

With Mahomes also calling Las Vegas a good football team and defense, the Raiders’ narrow loss to Kansas City still gave them a strong test against an unbeaten opponent.

Written by

Divyanshi Raj