Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes is widely regarded as one of the greatest to ever lace them up. Mahomes seemingly lost his step just a year ago, but has bounced back nicely during the 2025-26 season, throwing for 1,514 yards, 11 touchdowns, and just two interceptions.

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Mahomes has a real opportunity to continue playing well for the Chiefs, too, as they’ll take on a tough Las Vegas Raiders team on Sunday. While the Raiders haven’t played well, no game in the AFC West is typically an easy one.

As the Chiefs and Raiders get ready to hit the field, it’s important to note that the Raiders have someone on the defensive side of the football who is widely regarded as one of the better players in the league, and that’s none other than Maxx Crosby, who has four sacks and 17 tackles on the year.

Maxx Crosby

Crosby spoke about this upcoming matchup against the Chiefs and Mahomes, and had nothing but respect for his opponent entering the game.

“Yeah, it’s, I mean, the only thing I could say is ultimate respect. I know greatness when I see it, and I’ve been around a lot of greats. I’ve been around some of the best athletes and players to ever play the game, and I know he’s that. And every time I get to go out there, just the energy is different. I don’t know how to exactly explain it, but it’s been like that for a long time now. And so he knows what type of time I’m on, and I know what type of time he’s on.

“He is out there doing everything he can to help his team win, and I’m doing the same thing. So when you have two guys that are – I don’t wanna make it about just me and him, obviously our teams have a lot of history going against each other as well – but every time me and Pat meet up we’re both on that type of time from start to finish,” he said, per SI.

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Mahomes will have to do his best to make sure that Crosby doesn’t get to him too much on Sunday, something that’s much easier said than done. 

However, after an impressive win for the Chiefs against the Detroit Lions last Sunday night, this is a game they need to win to continue their momentum.

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