The Kansas City Chiefs have reemerged as a force in the NFL, and the league's London games are back on the schedule, much to the excitement of Los Angeles Rams fans who hope to see Puka Nacua make his return. I was present at Sky Sports NFL's weekly production meeting on Wednesday when analyst Jason Bell boldly claimed that Brock Bowers possesses every skill set that Jaxon Smith‑Njigba offers, with the only distinction being that Bowers operates from the tight‑end position. Bell’s assertion was spot‑on.
Bowers is a versatile weapon: he runs every route in the playbook, can line up in any spot across the formation, and boasts some of the most reliable hands in the game. He creates separation not with sheer speed but with clever feints and savvy route running, can win one‑on‑one battles, attacks every level of the defense, and serves as a primary target when needed. In the Raiders' surprising 35‑27 victory over the New Orleans Saints, Bowers recorded ten receptions on thirteen targets for 116 yards and a touchdown, helping Las Vegas improve to a flawless 3‑0 start.
"It’s obvious—he’s the best at what he does," said Raiders pass‑rusher Maxx Crosby. "He changes the game. He’s impossible to guard.
Having a player like that back in the lineup definitely lifts the whole team." That week the Raiders highlighted that Bowers became only the third non‑receiver in NFL history to amass at least 1,900 receiving yards in his first 30 career games, joining legends Mike Ditka and Kellen Winslow. Drafted 13th overall in 2024, Bowers has lived up to—and exceeded—the hype surrounding him, embodying the modern prototype for a tight end, a role that previously helped elevate his Kansas City counterpart.
For years Travis Kelce defined the tight‑end as a hybrid receiver, shredding press coverage and soft zone assignments while alternating between slot and outside positions as Patrick Mahomes' most trusted target. Now, at 36, Kelce has postponed retirement and started the season strongly, leading the Chiefs with 14 catches on 19 targets for 231 yards and two touchdowns, anchoring a revitalized aerial attack.
Kansas City’s unbeaten 3‑0 record is underpinned by Mahomes looking like his old self again. The quarterback is once more the league’s premier passer, attacking defenses with swagger and aggression after recovering from a knee injury last season.
Andy Reid’s play‑action scheme has been deployed heavily, breathing fresh life into the offense and freeing Mahomes to make deep, off‑platform throws that had faded in recent years. While Mahomes deserves credit for his early impact, the arrival of former Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III has been a pivotal factor in the Chiefs’ resurgence. Walker, the Super Bowl MVP from February, now leads the NFL with 360 rushing yards, averaging 5.5 yards per carry, and has added two rushing touchdowns.
He also contributes as a receiver with 11 catches for 82 yards and two scores, providing a new dimension to an offense that has relied heavily on creative play‑action. Sunday’s matchup also revives the mini‑rivalry between Mahomes and Raiders edge‑rusher Maxx Crosby, a duel that has produced several memorable moments in recent seasons. "It’s been a while since we really got to go at each other, and we’re both looking forward to it," Crosby said. "I respect him.
He knows what it is—it's war." Mahomes echoed that sentiment: "He texted me as soon as I was cleared to play, saying ‘We’re both back.’ I thought, let’s show the world who we are. When we step on that field, it’s a rivalry, pure and simple.
Both of us know what’s at stake." He added, "At the end of the day, you want great competitors in this league because it makes the game better. When you finally get the win, it feels even sweeter." The Chiefs’ offense is finally getting the space it needs, thanks to the tandem of Walker’s ground game and Mahomes’ arm. Credit also goes to returning offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, whose experience with Chicago’s downhill rushing attack in 2025 has translated into a more balanced attack at Arrowhead Stadium.
The team now looks like a legitimate contender once again. The NFL’s return to the United Kingdom continues with the first of three games in October, raising the total of regular‑season London matchups to 45 since 2007. The Commanders, fresh off an upset win over Super Bowl champion Seattle, travel with backup quarterback Marcus Mariota after starter Jayden Daniels suffered an elbow injury.
Daniels is in London with the team, but his status for Sunday remains uncertain. Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Colts arrive after a 19‑17 victory over the Houston Texans, with running back Jonathan Taylor still the focal point of Shane Steichen’s offense. The Los Angeles Rams, once billed as a super‑team and early Super Bowl favorites, have stumbled to a 1‑2 start.
Injuries to Myles Garrett and star wide receiver Puka Nacua have hampered their progress, though Nacua is expected to return against the Philadelphia Eagles. Davante Adams has emerged as a bright spot, posting 332 yards over the past two weeks as Matthew Stafford’s primary target, while tight end Terrance Ferguson’s injury has forced head coach Sean McVay to lean more heavily on multiple‑tight‑end formations. The Dallas Cowboys boast a Super Bowl‑caliber offense led by Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens, but their defense remains a glaring weakness. Ranked 30th in yards allowed and last in EPA per play, the Cowboys’ defensive woes have been exacerbated by injuries, especially after a heartbreaking loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Rio de Janeiro.
Even if the offense lights up the scoreboard, the defense must improve to keep the team in contention. The upcoming Chiefs‑Raiders showdown at Las Vegas will feature newly signed linebacker Nakobe Dean, who has already recorded 27 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles. Alongside fellow offseason acquisition Quay Walker, Dean is expected to help contain Kenneth Walker and limit Mahomes’ play‑action effectiveness.
The Chiefs’ defense, however, still raises questions, as their pass rush has relied heavily on blitzes to generate pressure, while the offensive line enjoys one of the league’s best pressure‑rate statistics. In the West Coast, the Denver Broncos are beginning to find their rhythm after a strong second‑half comeback against the Rams and a comeback win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Yet early‑down rushing struggles persist, prompting head coach Sean Payton and quarterback Bo Nix to search for solutions.
Across the field, Brock Purdy has propelled the San Francisco 49ers into the conversation with an MVP‑level start, leading the league with nine touchdowns, a single interception, and a passer rating of 133.1. The Chargers risk slipping to 0‑4 after a series of miscues that allowed the Buffalo Bills to secure a victory.
Justin Herbert’s offense faltered once again, while Sam Darnold’s return from injury was stifled by Seattle’s defense. Meanwhile, Jaxon Smith‑Njigba shone for the Commanders with ten catches for 128 yards and two touchdowns. In Detroit, running back Jahmyr Gibbs reaffirmed his status as the Lions’ focal point, tallying three touchdowns and 164 yards from scrimmage in a 31‑24 win over the New York Jets. Only a few players in NFL history—Barry Sanders, Maurice Jones‑Drew, and Todd Gurley—have recorded more touchdowns before turning 25.
The Panthers, returning home after a narrow loss to the Browns, saw quarterback Bryce Young lead the league in passing yards (939) despite a tough defensive battle, highlighting ongoing pass‑protection issues. All of these storylines converge as Sky Sports prepares to broadcast the 2026 NFL season live, including every playoff game and Super Bowl LXI on February 14, 2027.
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