The Chiefs are finally getting into the groove as they prepare to face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7 at Arrowhead Stadium. Although both teams have met 132 times in the league, this time they will be facing a new opponent, who might give them a tough battle. Yes, rookie running back Ashton Jeanty is rising slowly among the bigwigs of the league. So, are Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs prepared for him?

The first-round pick (6th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft, Ashton Jeanty, leads the Raiders in rushing yards [424 (ninth in the league)]. But it doesn’t mean the Chiefs will let him have an easy run. Linebacker Leo Chenal, a two-time Super Bowl winner, revealed the team’s strategy to counter the rookie on October 17 while talking to Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus and Senior Team Reporter Matt McMullen. “The key is obviously wrapping him (Jeanty) up,” he hinted that the Chiefs might use a 2-man coverage on the running back.

He then gave a more detailed analysis and added, “He’s breaking tackles….So it’s just guys holding their gaps, pressing the gaps, because he has that patience too. So, just everybody doing their jobs, firing on all cylinders. Linebackers got to help out, get downhill, help out the D-linemen.” On paper, that looks fine, but in reality, it will take a real physical domination to counter the 5-foot-8, 211-pound player.

Ashton Jeanty is playing to his strengths. The Boise State alumnus openly wrote in his public letter before the draft that he is the guy they can’t tackle. He is leading all running backs in broken tackles. And he has given the Raiders fans something to cheer about. During the week 6 game against the Titans, he ran through the defense into the end zone for a touchdown.

With his dominant runs, the RB has also won the confidence of the Raiders’ head coach, Pete Carroll. The coach now wants to give him more scoring chances (around 20 carries per game). So, this will also make him a top target for the Chiefs.

On the other hand, the Chiefs have LBs like Nick Bolton, who has 53 tackles (28 solo) and 1 forced fumble. Chenal also has 25 tackles (14 solo). So, it will be a tough contest. But Kansas also needs to handle their familiar foes, too.

Patrick Mahomes is ready for the Raiders battle

DE Maxx Crosby entered the league in 2019, two years after the Chiefs’ signal-caller, Patrick Mahomes. But he quickly carved out his place, particularly in the games featuring the inter-divisional rivals. In 6 games this year, he has recorded 25 tackles (17 solo), 4 sacks, 1 interception, and 5 defended passes.

Ahead of their week 7 game, he praised the quarterback in an interview with SiriusXM. “I’ve been around some of the best athletes and players to ever play the game, and I know he’s (Mahomes) that,” Crosby said while praising Showtime.

The respect isn’t one-sided. Even Patrick Mahomes loves the competition Crosby brings to their matchups. “He’s a type of competitor like me. When you go on that football field, it’s whatever it takes to win; you’re going to leave everything on the football field. I have a ton of respect for that,” Mahomes said while praising his rival.

The Chiefs’ signal caller even claimed that he wants such players on his team as well, who can give their 100% and leave everything there. Even though they had their own on-field moments, like the head-butting incident in 2023, the respect is mutual.

However, let’s not forget that there’s urgency on both sides here. The Raiders are 4th in the AFC West with a 2-4 record, while the Chiefs moved to 3rd place (3-3) with an impressive victory over the Detroit Lions. Mahomes is leading the Chiefs’ rushing game with 222 yards from 38 carries and 4 touchdowns. It will again take an all-around effort to win against their old enemies.