“A Little Bit Nasty”: Chiefs LB Fires Up Raiders Rivalry, Says KC Must “Bring That” Hate

The Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders have been playing each other for more than six decades, but Sunday's matchup feels different. Both teams are 3-0, and the winner will leave Las Vegas alone atop the AFC West. The Raiders are also playing at home, where they have won their first three games of the season.

Kansas City has owned much of this rivalry in recent years. That makes Las Vegas' perfect start more important because the Raiders now have a chance to put pressure on the team that has controlled the division for so long.

Chiefs LB says the rivalry has turned "a little bit nasty"

Drue Tranquill was asked about the mood around the Chiefs-Raiders rivalry during the week. He said there is more edge to these games and made it clear that Kansas City expects a physical battle.

"It feels like there's more of that hate, if you will," Tranquill said . "It's a little bit nasty, a little bit tough. We'll have to bring that."

His comments make sense because of the current standings. The Chiefs are 3-0 after beating Denver, Indianapolis, and Miami. The Raiders are also 3-0 after wins against Miami, the Chargers, and New Orleans. Both teams are undefeated before they play each other for the first time this season.

Las Vegas is playing great defense too. The Raiders have 10 sacks and four interceptions in three games. Their plus-five turnover margin is the best in the NFL.

The Chiefs-Raiders rivalry has a long history

Kansas City has had the better side of this matchup for much of the Patrick Mahomes era. The Chiefs have won 16 of the last 20 meetings, although the Raiders won the most recent game, a 14-12 victory at home in last season's finale.

That history helps explain why this game means more than another early-season division matchup. Las Vegas has not entered a regular-season meeting with Kansas City at 3-0 or better on both sides before Sunday.

Mahomes also has another battle waiting for him in Maxx Crosby, who remains one of the Raiders' biggest defensive threats. Mahomes described their matchup as "pure football" and said the rivalry brings out the best in both players.

That gives Tranquill's comment more context. Kansas City is walking into a game that already has plenty of history behind it, but this time the Raiders are bringing an undefeated record with them.

The Chiefs linebacker knows the game could get physical. His message was simple. Kansas City has to be ready for it.