Raiders, Kirk Cousins Have Long Road Ahead Before Being Dubbed Contenders

The Las Vegas Raiders have been one of the biggest surprises of the 2026-27 NFL season thus far. 

Lucas and Connor open up the show discussing Vegas' first loss of the season, which came at the hands of their AFC West rival, the Kansas City Chiefs. 

The Raiders fell 30-27 in Sunday's bout, in a game that was not decided until the last minute, when Raiders' quarterback Kirk Cousins was picked off by Kansas City at the Chiefs' 36-yard line. 

Lucas believes that offensively, the Raiders played better than the Chiefs, but things just didn't go their way. Connor agrees, noting that Vegas' game plan appeared to be a bit more methodical, with Cousins' veteran leadership to thank. 

On Cousins, Connor mentions how Vegas' original game plan may be altered with the 38-year-old leading the team to an impressive 3-1 record. Initially, the Raiders were supposed to have the first overall pick in this year's NFL draft, quarterback Fernando Mendoza, take over the team later in the season. 

However, there's an argument to be made that Cousins should continue to be QB1 with all of the success and Mendoza may be on the sidelines for longer than expected.

Our hosts ultimately wrap up the recap mentioning how this loss still felt like a win, with the majority of NFL fans and reporters thinking the Raiders would get blown out of the water, but hanging in until the final minute. 

Looking ahead, Lucas and Connor discuss the tough stretch of games and whether the Raiders will be able to keep winning games -- but it's not an easy task. 

Vegas takes on the New England Patriots in Week 5, the Buffalo Bills in Week 6, the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7 and finally gets a breather in Week 8 when they face the New York Jets. 

Traveling to New England will start a brutal string of games for the Raiders and will ultimately be the biggest test of whether Vegas is a legitimate contender this season. 

On Sunday, Oct. 11th, in the game against the Patriots, our hosts discuss the confusing season that NE has had and how it impacts the Raiders. After multiple losses to some mid-tier teams, the Patriots won in Week 4 against the Bills. 

NE is coming off a trip to the Super Bowl, but started this season off at an upsetting pace. Vegas will certainly be a challenge for the Patriots, but it's a matchup that could go in anyone's favor. 

Listen to the full episode for Lucas and Connor's Chiefs recap and a preview of what's to come when the Raiders head into New England on Sunday.