Raiders push Chiefs to limit but drop first game of season

A hard-fought NFL showdown has left the Raiders tantalizingly close to challenging the Chiefs’ dominance in the AFC West, with their coach expressing confidence mid-game. Despite a late push, Kansas City held on to secure the victory, reinforcing their current standing atop the division. The matchup underscored the Raiders’ resurgence, raising questions about whether the conference’s power structure could soon shift. Fans and analysts will now dissect whether this performance signals a turning point—or just another close call in a tight race.

LAS VEGAS — The Raiders might be closer than they have been in years. Close enough to make the Chiefs uncomfortable. Close enough to imagine the AFC West looking different. Close enough that their coach went into halftime convinced they were about to prove it. But for now, it’s still Kansas City. The Chiefs reminded...