Two undefeated teams meet in Las Vegas on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS. The Kansas City Chiefs (3-0) travel to Allegiant Stadium as roughly 4.5-point road favorites against the surprising Las Vegas Raiders (3-0). This is the first true measuring-stick game for both clubs in the young season.
The Raiders have looked sharp under new coaching, with Kirk Cousins tied for the league lead in touchdown passes. The Chiefs have looked like the Chiefs again with Patrick Mahomes back in rhythm. The question for bettors is whether Kansas City can handle a motivated home underdog in a hostile environment.
Injury Notes and Key Absences
Kansas City will be without tackle Josh Simmons (back). Most other key players, including Mahomes (knee), practiced fully and carry no designations. Las Vegas is missing offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson (groin) and has Aidan O’Connell listed as questionable with a personal matter. Tight end Brock Bowers is expected to play after a limited week and a strong season debut last week.
Why the Chiefs Remain the Side to Beat
Mahomes has completed passes at a high rate and the offense is generating yards and points consistently. The Raiders’ defense has been solid, but facing Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and a healthy supporting cast is a different test from the early-season schedule.
Las Vegas has forced turnovers and played complementary football, but the Chiefs have historically handled division rivals on the road when healthy. The 4.5-point number feels fair given the venue and the Raiders’ early momentum.
Betting Angle and Prediction
Most models lean Kansas City covering a short road number. The total sits in the high 40s, reflecting two offenses capable of moving the ball.
My projected score is Chiefs 27, Raiders 21. Kansas City covers the 4.5-point spread if Mahomes stays efficient and the defense limits big plays from Bowers and the Raiders’ skill group. The under has some appeal if both teams play complementary football, but the over remains live given the talent on both sides.
Primary play: Chiefs -4.5
Secondary lean: Under 47.5 / 48.5 if the number holds
What to Watch Live
Watch how quickly Mahomes attacks the middle of the field. If Kelce and the tight ends get early targets, Las Vegas will be forced to adjust coverage and open opportunities outside. Also track Brock Bowers. His ability to create mismatches against the Chiefs’ linebackers could keep the Raiders competitive into the fourth quarter.
This is the type of game where the favorite should win, but the home crowd and early-season confidence for Las Vegas could keep the margin tight.
Final Thought
The market has correctly identified Kansas City as the stronger side. Taking the points with the Raiders requires believing an early-season surprise can sustain against a fully operational Mahomes-led offense on a big stage. That feels like a difficult path for a young team still finding its identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Chiefs vs Raiders kick off?
Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
What channel is the game on?
The game will air on CBS. Streaming is available via Paramount+ depending on your market.
Are both teams undefeated?
Yes. Both the Chiefs and Raiders enter the game at 3-0.
What is the current betting line?
The Chiefs are approximately 4.5-point favorites with a total near 47.5 or 48 points.
Is Patrick Mahomes healthy?
Yes. Mahomes practiced fully and carries no game designation despite a knee listing earlier in the week.