The Kansas City Chiefs have enjoyed an incredible start to the 2026 season. And for perhaps the first time in the Patrick Mahomes-era, the rushing attack has been a defining piece of this success. Kenneth Walker III has already piled up 360 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns, averaging more than five yards per carry and demanding the opposing defenses load the box.

Heading into Week 4, Las Vegas ranks 24th in the league in run defense, giving up over 120 yards per contest on the ground. What the Raiders do extremely well is rush the passer, with a 9.4% sack rate, which is top three in the league, as well as being first in takeaways with a total of nine.

As simplistic a take as it might be, it remains true that the best way to beat an elite pass rush is with a great rushing attack. For the Chiefs to take control of this game early and be able to put the Raiders on their heels, it will require leaning on Walker. It will help slow Maxx Crosby, as well as other added pieces like Kwity Paye, Nakobe Dean, and Quay Walker.

Chiefs must continue to lean on Kenneth Walker III in Week 4 to contain Raiders heavy pass rush

It will be interesting to watch how Andy Reid and Eric Bieniemy opt to attack the Raiders early in the game, as it’s no secret to the Raiders that KC will try to establish the ground-and-pound game early and often. But while the Raiders can get sacks when given time to, it could make sense to utilize the quick passing game in an attempt to keep Las Vegas second-guessing just a bit before attempting to run it right at a clear weakness.

Kansas City winning this game would continue its perfect start and set them off into a Week 5 Bye having had two victories over division rivals. It would help erase any doubt that the Chiefs aren’t a force to be reckoned with in the AFC. Only the Buffalo Bills have had as impressive a start this year, both from a record perspective and eye test.

Even with the Chiefs heading into a Bye week after, keep your eyes on rookie back Emmett Johnson, who should continue to see an uptick in opportunities as the season goes on. His own abilities make him a threat in a variety of ways, as well as keeping the superstar Walker fresh.

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