October 4, 2026 - 5:00 pm

So much for being all alone at the top of the AFC West.

It wasn’t to be for the Las Vegas Raiders, whose inability to run the ball and their own self-inflicted mistakes down the stretch Sunday led to a 30-27 loss to the Chiefs.

Still, this was Raiders coach Klint Kubiak leaving the field at halftime of his team’s game against the Chiefs on Sunday: “Not good enough. We’ve got to be better. But you know what, we’re winning. We’re going to win the game.”

Finally. Some swagger. And from a guy who usually says nothing at all. I mean nada.

But this team has lost for so long, it lacked any true confidence. Not really, at least.

Whether they were successful or not at Allegiant Stadium – and they weren’t – things have changed in this manner.

The Raiders (3-1) aren’t just saying what you expect them to, but they actually believe it. And that means a lot in this league. Without it, you’re toast.

Now, if they can only run the ball.

It continues to be an issue for an offense that still managed enough to hold a 13-10 halftime advantage.

The Raiders had 17 yards rushing at intermission and 43 through three quarters. They finished with 72 yards on 26 carries. Not near good enough.

What is sure to be talked about: Kubiak chose to take points off the board following a Matt Gay field goal that made it 16-10 Raiders. But an illegal formation call against Kansas City (4-0) gave Las Vegas a fourth-and-2 from the Chiefs’ 18-yard line.

Kirk Cousins threw incomplete under pressure but it was still the right call to go for it. This wasn’t the type of game to play it safe. The Chiefs were going to score points.

But a touchdown on that drive would have given the Raiders a 10-point lead and put some pressure on Kansas City.

As it is, a young head coach will definitely be second-guessed for his decision.

Whether he said they were going to win or not.

And good for him to say it.

Ed Graney, a Sigma Delta Chi Award winner for sports column writing, can be reached at egraney@reviewjournal.com. Follow @edgraney on X.