🏈 Kansas City Chiefs Week 7 Preview: Mahomes Poised for Dominant Performance as Rashee Rice Returns vs. Raiders

KANSAS CITY, MO — The Chiefs’ confidence is back, and so is their swagger.

After a roller-coaster start to the season, Kansas City (5–1) heads into its Week 7 divisional matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders looking revitalized — and much of that has to do with the resurgence of Patrick Mahomes and the long-awaited return of wide receiver Rashee Rice.

On the latest episode of Chiefs Latest, host Calvin Silvers previewed the matchup in detail, covering both sides of the ball and Kansas City’s growing rhythm on offense.

Rashee Rice Returns: A Boost for Mahomes and the Passing Game

The biggest storyline heading into Sunday is the return of Rashee Rice, who missed all of last season due to injury and served a six-game suspension to start 2025.

Rice has enjoyed strong success against Las Vegas before — 14 receptions for 164 yards and one touchdown in his last two meetings — and Silvers believes the Chiefs will waste no time getting him involved.

“They told everyone from the start — the media, the NFL, and the Raiders themselves,” Silvers said. “Rashee Rice is going to be thrown to the wolves early. They expect him to have a big workload right away.”

With Mahomes in MVP form — already tying his career-high for rushing touchdowns and posting his best QBR since 2022 — Rice’s presence should add another layer of versatility to a passing offense that ranks Top 5 in total yards (397.4 per game) and Top 3 in scoring (29.2 PPG).

O-Line Stability Despite Injuries

The Chiefs’ offensive line remains a focal point, especially with rookie Josh Simmons out for personal reasons. In his place, Jaylen Moore has stepped up admirably, earning praise for his emergency performance last week against Detroit.

Kansas City allowed only four pressures and one sack on 38 pass plays — a 93.4 PFF pass-blocking efficiency, the best in the NFL that week.

Moore now faces a major challenge in Raiders star Maxx Crosby, who leads the team with four sacks. The Chiefs may use tight ends to chip Crosby, while Moore handles emerging pass rusher Jonah Lulu, who also has four sacks this season.

Offensive Adjustments: More Under Center, Smarter Routes

Silvers noted that head coach Andy Reid has begun mixing in more under-center snaps — a small but significant tweak to diversify play design.

The Chiefs ran 17 under-center plays against Detroit, their season-high, averaging 6.5 yards per carry and 8.3 yards per pass.

“It helps disguise bootlegs and quarterback runs,” Silvers explained. “Defenses can’t see it coming, and it opens up lanes for Mahomes’ mobility.”

Tight end Travis Kelce has also seen a role adjustment. With age and mileage catching up, he’s being used more in short-yardage, possession-style routes (4–6 yards) instead of deep seams.

Silvers believes it’s a smart evolution:

“Those shorter routes keep you ahead of the sticks. It’s not flashy, but it keeps the offense moving — and blitz-heavy teams can’t punish you for it.”

Raiders Defense: Strong Up Front, Weak in Coverage

Las Vegas enters Week 7 ranked 10th in rushing defense (95.3 YPG) but struggles badly against the pass, allowing 236 passing yards per game.

Their 4–3 scheme emphasizes gap control, but the secondary and linebackers remain vulnerable. Matchups like Devin White vs. Rashee Rice could heavily favor Kansas City.

“That’s easy money for Rice,” Silvers joked. “Mahomes is going to carve this defense if the line holds.”

Chiefs Defense: Primed for a Statement Game

Defensively, Kansas City should control this matchup. The Raiders’ offense, led by Geno Smith, has been turnover-prone — seven touchdowns to 10 interceptions — while top targets Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers are both nursing injuries.

Wideout Tre Tucker (350+ yards, 4 TDs) brings elite 4.3 speed, but the Chiefs secondary — led by Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson — has allowed zero passes over 25 yards in its last two games.

Silvers highlighted Chris Jones and George Karlaftis as potential breakout candidates against a Raiders O-line he called “slow-footed and overmatched.”

“This could be a feast day for the D-line,” Silvers said. “With Bowers and Meyers out, the Raiders’ offense loses its rhythm.”

Special Teams: Harrison Butker Under Fire

While the Chiefs’ offense and defense have found stability, special teams remain a concern. Kicker Harrison Butker has posted a career-low 78% field goal rate and missed three PATs this season.

Special teams coordinator Dave Toub addressed the issue:

“It’s about focus and dialing in on the short ones,” he said.

Silvers, however, was more direct:

“We’ve heard that before. He’s the highest-paid kicker in the NFL — the consistency has to come back, or it’s going to cost them late in the season.”

Trade Market Watch: Chiefs Eye Running Back Help

As the trade deadline approaches, GM Brett Veach is reportedly exploring options at running back. Targets like Alvin Kamara and Breece Hall have dimmed — Kamara reaffirmed his loyalty to New Orleans, while Hall’s price has reportedly risen to a mid-round pick.

With Isaiah Pacheco battling minor injuries and the Chiefs averaging just 118.7 rushing yards per game, Silvers believes a depth move could still happen.

“They need fresh legs for the playoff push,” he said. “It doesn’t have to be a star — just someone who can bring juice.”

Final Thoughts: Chiefs Heating Up at the Right Time

As Kansas City prepares for another AFC West clash, Silvers closed his show with optimism.

“This is a game the Chiefs should win,” he said. “The offense is finally clicking, the defense is disciplined, and Mahomes looks like the MVP again. If Jaylen Moore keeps that line solid and Butker cleans up the mistakes, the Chiefs will roll.”

Predicted Score: Chiefs 34, Raiders 17