Instabreakdown: Chiefs’ offense goes on scoring run to cruise in Las Vegas

On Sunday afternoon, the Kansas City Chiefs collected a 31-17 road victory over the Las Vegas Raiders , extending the team’s record to 8-3.

Offense (Ron Kopp Jr.) Through two possessions, everyone had their fingers on the Chiefs’ offensive panic button. But then the unit settled in, scoring touchdowns on four of the following five drives — and then executed a time-consuming drive (ending in a field goal) to seal the game.

For the second straight week, Kansas City won the time-of-possession battle by depending on its running game. Running back Isiah Pacheco only totaled 55 yards on 15 carries — never gaining more than eight yards on a carry — but he penetrated the Raiders’ defensive front when it mattered most. On multiple third-and-shorts, inside handoffs to Pacheco got it done. He moved the chains twice on the team’s final scoring drive — although one was negated by a penalty.

What was different from previous games was how the passing offense succeeded thanks to the running game’s steadiness. Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 79% of his passes, totaled 298 yards (and two touchdowns) and was only sacked once. His 122.8 passer rating was his highest since the win over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 7.

He was able to find opportunities for tight end Travis Kelce, who ended with six catches and 91 yards on seven targets. He made multiple downfield throws — including an incredibly well-placed throw up the seam.

While there was little success on deeper routes, it worked — because pass-catchers made plays after the catch. Pacheco racked up 34 yards on five catches, finding space on at least one screen. Wide receiver Skyy Moore had an 18-yard catch-and-run where he juked out a cornerback in the open field; it’s one of the highlights of his season.

The only second-half lowlights were the continued penalties — including one on right tackle Jawaan Taylor (and another on center Creed Humphrey) during the same fourth-quarter drive.

Offensive Player of the Game: Wide receiver Rashee Rice The rookie wideout turned in the best day of his budding career, registering eight catches on ten targets for 107 yards — all of those career highs. His 39-yard touchdown was tied for the longest play of his first NFL season. The catch-and-run ability on that play was evident, but Rice also gained 18 yards by completing a contested catch on the sideline. It was the first time we’ve seen that from Rice. It showed that his usage is expanding — and his skills are improving.

Defense (Caleb James) After being gashed in the first quarter, the Kansas City defense returned to form in the second half — and ended up dominating the Raiders.

In the first half, Las Vegas hit the Chiefs with everything it could, targeting L’Jarius Sneed with Devante Adams as many times as possible. That — and an explosive run from Josh Jacobs — led to two first-half touchdowns. But after that run, the defense tightened up — allowing just a field goal through for the rest of the game.

Sneed (and Justin Reid) led the way; each had nine tackles to top the team.

The only sack of the game belonged to George Karlaftis — and it came at an opportune moment: it essentially ended the final Raiders’ drive, sealing the game.

In the game’s large moments, the Kansas City defense stood tall, stopping the Raiders on early downs. The defense continues to be a significant part of the team’s formula for success.

Defensive Player of the Game: Linebacker Drue Tranquill Tranquill once again proved that he was one of the Chiefs’ best offseason signings, once again stepping up as the MIKE linebacker for the injured Nick Bolton. He finished with eight tackles and two tackles-for-loss. Bolton will be back soon — but Tranquill will certainly continue to contribute even then. He’s an explosive, instinctual linebacker who has helped to guide the Chiefs' defense through its dominant season.