Chiefs-Raiders: Las Vegas jumps out to 14-0 lead in second quarter

On Sunday, the 7-3 Kansas City Chiefs are playing the 5-6 Las Vegas Raiders for the 126th game in their all-time series — this time at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The defending Super Bowl champions have gotten to this point with an unexpectedly overpowering defense and an inconsistent offense — and two of their losses have come in the last three games. Meanwhile, the Raiders are trying to stay relevant under interim head coach Antonio Pierce, for whom they have won two of their last three. At kickoff, the Chiefs are favored by nine points.

First quarter The Chiefs won the opening coin toss, deferring the decision of kicking or receiving to the second half. That gave Las Vegas the ball to start the game; the Raiders started at the 25-yard line after a touchback.

Raiders’ rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell looked poised early and often on the Raiders’ opening drive, converting three third downs through the air and navigating the blitz effectively. One completion was wide receiver Davante Adams beating cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, then wide receiver Jakobi Meyers found space to catch and run into the end zone. That gave Las Vegas an early 7-0 lead.

Looking to answer, Kansas City tried to catch the Raiders with a screen pass to running back Isiah Pacheco — but it was blown up for a loss of 11 yards. That led to a three and out, and a quick punt.

Las Vegas continued picking apart the Chiefs’ defense, converting two more third downs and using quick passes to move across midfield. Eventually, Chiefs’ linebacker Drue Tranquill shot through the line for a tackle for loss, setting up third and 11 just outside the red zone.

After a completion short of the sticks, the Raiders chose to kick a field goal — and the attempt was missed. That gave the Chiefs the ball back at their own 20-yard line, starting with an 11-yard catch by Pacheco that took the game into the second quarter.

Second quarter Two plays after the Chiefs’ initial first down of the game, the offense faced third and eight — and failed to convert. A deep pass to wide receiver Justin Watson fell to the turf far from where he was, with physical coverage holding up his route. It led to another punt.

Las Vegas continued moving the ball on offense, but didn’t take as much time on the third possession: running back Josh Jacobs found space on a handoff, sprinting down the left sideline from 63 yards out and giving the Raiders a 14-0 advantage.

Special Teams Punter Tommy Townsend pinned the Raiders at their own 19-yard line with his first punt of the game.