Mahomes' Chiefs Return, Yet Face a New Kelce Era

The Kansas City Chiefs have re‑emerged as a force, the NFL’s London showcase is back on the calendar, and the Los Angeles Rams are hopeful that wide receiver Puka Nacua will soon rejoin the lineup. I was present at Sky Sports NFL’s weekly production meeting on Wednesday when analyst Jason Bell made a bold claim: Brock Bowers can perform every function that Jaxon Smith‑Njigba does, the only distinction being that Bowers does it from the tight‑end position. Bell’s assessment was spot‑on. Bowers is a versatile weapon.

He runs the entire route tree, can line up anywhere in the formation, possesses some of the most reliable hands in the league, and creates separation with subtle fakes rather than sheer speed. He can win one‑on‑one battles, attack every level of the field, and serves as a focal point for the Raiders’ offense.

In the Raiders’ surprise 35‑27 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Bowers recorded 10 receptions on 13 targets for 116 yards and a touchdown, helping Las Vegas improve to an unexpected 3‑0 start. "It’s self‑explanatory – he’s the best at what he does," said Raiders pass‑rusher Maxx Crosby. "He changes the game. He’s impossible to cover.

Having a player like that back in the lineup definitely lifts the whole team." That week the Raiders highlighted another milestone: 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, he has already exceeded the lofty expectations placed on him, embodying the modern prototype tight end that once propelled his Kansas City counterpart to stardom.

For years, Travis Kelce set the standard for a receiving‑focused tight end, tearing through press coverage and soft zones while splitting his time between the slot and the outside as Patrick Mahomes’ most trusted target. Now 36, Kelce has postponed retirement and opened the season with a team‑leading 14 catches on 19 targets for 231 yards and two touchdowns, anchoring a rejuvenated Chiefs aerial attack. Kansas City’s flawless 3‑0 start is also a reflection of Mahomes looking like his former self – the league’s premier quarterback – after rebounding from last season’s knee injury. Andy Reid’s heavy reliance on play‑action has breathed fresh life into the offense, giving Mahomes the space to unleash his signature deep‑ball throws that had been scarce 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 decisive factor in the Chiefs’ resurgence. Play‑action success rarely happens without a credible rushing threat, and Walker provides exactly that. Walker, the Super Bowl MVP from February, now leads the league with 360 rushing yards, averaging 5.5 yards per carry, and has already scored two rushing touchdowns.

He also contributes in the passing game with 11 receptions for 82 yards and two scores, adding a new dimension to an offense that had relied heavily on Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive schemes in prior years. Sunday’s matchup also pits Mahomes against Raiders edge‑rusher Maxx Crosby, a rivalry that has grown over the past few seasons as the two have exchanged blows on the field while maintaining mutual respect off it.

"It’s been a long time since we’ve really faced each other, and we’re both looking forward to it. I respect him. He knows what it is – it’s war," Crosby said.

Mahomes responded, "He actually texted me as soon as I was cleared to play, saying ‘Hey, we’re both back.’ I was like, ‘Let’s show the world what we’re made of.’ There’s a rivalry, we’ll go at it when we meet on the field, and that’s just the nature of this league." He added, "At the end of the day, you want great competitors, great players, because that makes the league better and makes a win feel even sweeter." The Chiefs’ offense is finally finding room to operate, with Walker stretching defenses and Mahomes exploiting the gaps. 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 Arrowhead attack. All signs point to Kansas City looking like a legitimate contender once again.

--- **Upcoming NFL London Games** The NFL returns to the United Kingdom for the first of three games in October, marking the 45th regular‑season matchup held in London since 2007. The schedule features: - **Indianapolis Colts vs. Washington Commanders** at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, kickoff at 2:30 pm (UK time). The Commanders come off an upset win over Super Bowl champions Seattle, led by backup quarterback Marcus Mariota while starter Jayden Daniels recovers from an elbow injury.

Daniels is traveling with the team but his availability remains uncertain. The Colts arrive after a narrow 19‑17 victory over Houston, with running back Jonathan Taylor continuing to be the engine of Shane Steichen’s offense.

- **Los Angeles Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles** at Lincoln Financial Field, kickoff at 6 pm (US Eastern). The Rams were touted as a super‑team early in the season but have stumbled to a 1‑2 record, hampered by injuries to Myles Garrett and star receiver Puka Nacua.

Nacua is expected to return against the Eagles. Meanwhile, Davante Adams has emerged as a reliable target for Matthew Stafford, posting 332 receiving yards over the past two weeks.

The Rams also rely heavily on tight‑end Terrance Ferguson, a key piece in Sean McVay’s multiple‑tight‑end formations. - **Dallas Cowboys vs.

Houston Texans** at NRG Stadium, kickoff at 6 pm (US Central). The Cowboys boast a potent offense featuring Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens, but their defense continues to be a glaring weakness, currently ranked last in yards allowed and EPA per play.

Injuries have compounded the defensive woes following a heartbreaking loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Rio de Janeiro. - **Kansas City Chiefs vs.

Las Vegas Raiders** at Allegiant Stadium, kickoff at 9:25 pm (US Pacific). The Raiders have bolstered their defense with offseason acquisitions Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker, who are already making an impact. Dean, a former Eagle linebacker, has logged 27 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles. The Chiefs, however, are still questioning their own defense, which appears more vulnerable than their high‑powered offense that relies on play‑action and a strong offensive line.

- **Denver Broncos vs. San Francisco 49 ers** at Levi’s Stadium, kickoff at 9:25 pm (US Pacific). The Broncos are beginning to find rhythm after a strong second‑half comeback against the Rams and a comeback win over Jacksonville, but early‑down rushing struggles persist. Meanwhile, Brock Purdy is leading the 49ers with an MVP‑caliber start, topping the league with nine touchdowns, one interception, and a passer rating of 133.1.

- **Los Angeles Chargers vs. Seattle Seahawks** at Lumen Field, kickoff at 9:25 pm (US Pacific). The Chargers risk slipping to 0‑4 after a series of miscues, including a loss to the Buffalo Bills where they turned over the ball five times. Justin Herbert’s offense has sputtered, while Seattle’s Jaxon Smith‑Njigba dazzled with 10 catches for 128 yards and two touchdowns.

- **Detroit Lions vs. Carolina Panthers** at Bank of America Stadium, kickoff at 1:20 am (Monday, US Eastern).

Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs continues to be the focal point, recording three touchdowns and 164 yards from scrimmage in a 31‑24 victory over the New York Jets. Only a handful of players in NFL history have amassed more touchdowns before turning 25. The Panthers, meanwhile, are led by quarterback Bryce Young, who tops the league in passing yards (939) but faces significant pass‑protection challenges.

--- Fans can watch every moment of the 2026 NFL season, including the playoffs and Super Bowl LXI on Sunday, February 14, 2027, via Sky Sports or stream without a contract through NOW.