Chiefs may have found the scariest new weapon in Patrick Mahomes’ offense

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Patrick Mahomes throwing touchdown passes is nothing new. The Kansas City Chiefs having a running back explode for 177 rushing yards is much more interesting.

Kenneth Walker III delivered his biggest performance since joining Kansas City on Sunday, rushing for 177 yards and two touchdowns as the Chiefs survived the Raiders 30-27 in Las Vegas.

Kansas City improved to 4-0. And Walker gave future opponents another problem to consider.

Walker changes the math for defenses

Mahomes completed 225 passing yards with two touchdowns, but Walker was the engine that kept Kansas City moving. His 2-yard touchdown with 3:21 remaining gave the Chiefs a 23-19 advantage.

Most rush yards through first 4 games of a season over last 15 years Kenneth Walker 537 (2026) DeMarco Murray 534 (2014) Derrick Henry 510 (2021) Kareem Hunt 502 (2017) Derrick Henry 480 (2024) https://t.co/AVLzoBo2ZD

— PFF (@PFF) October 5, 2026

Kansas City then capitalized on a Raiders kickoff fumble, and Walker scored again to create enough separation to withstand Las Vegas’ late rally. It was a perfect example of why Kansas City pursued Walker during the offseason.

The Chiefs have spent years forcing defenses into uncomfortable choices because of Mahomes. Safeties can’t become overly aggressive because Kansas City can attack vertically. Linebackers must account for Mahomes extending plays. Blitzing creates its own set of risks.

Now defenses may have to devote additional attention to Walker. That is a nasty combination.

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Kansas City keeps finding answers

The Chiefs didn’t dominate Las Vegas. Kirk Cousins threw for 365 yards, and the Raiders remained alive until a late interception ended their final possession.

Kansas City also suffered concerning injuries. Rashee Rice exited with a hamstring issue, while Tyquan Thornton was carted off after a 55-yard reception late in the fourth quarter.

Thornton had been outstanding before the injury, finishing with five catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns.

Those situations will be monitored closely.

But Kansas City keeps winning.

The Chiefs are 4-0, Mahomes remains unbeaten in six starts against the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium, and their newest running back just produced a 177-yard reminder that this offense doesn’t have to rely exclusively on its quarterback. That might be the most concerning development of all for the rest of the AFC.