Twelve touchdowns against a single franchise. That’s what Travis Kelce has done to the Raiders. More than he’s scored against any other NFL team in his storied career. Yet, after Sunday’s clash at Allegiant Stadium, the Chiefs’ star tight end proved why greatness recognizes greatness, rivalry be damned.

“You’re an absolute animal man, happy as hell for you,” Travis Kelce told Raiders’ rookie Brock Bowers after Kansas City’s 27-20 win, as reported by Starcade Media. “I’m gonna shoot my Jersey to your locker. We gotta get one for tight end U.” The moment marked a striking departure from a rivalry that has seen everything from playoff heartbreaks to last-minute victories since 1968.

The gesture carries extra weight considering Kelce’s vintage performance in the victory. 10 catches for 90 yards and a touchdown. Kelce showed everyone why many consider him one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. That touchdown – his first of the season – came on a perfectly executed 5-yard grab in the second quarter, picking apart the Raiders’ zone defense with the precision that’s become his trademark.

Bowers has wasted no time making his mark. The former Georgia Bulldog jumped right into the NFL. He has dominated from snap one. Kelce has established himself as the league’s premier tight end through eight games. He led all players at his position with 52 receptions, 535 yards, and six catches of 20-plus yards. The numbers become even more impressive with the Raiders‘ recent trade of Davante Adams. This has thrust more responsibility onto the rookie’s shoulders.

The torch-passing moment between Kelce and Bowers played out against the backdrop of one of football’s most storied rivalries. It mirrored what’s documented in the Raiders’ historical archives from 2017. This AFC West battle has featured everything from a controversial 17-17 tie in 1970 to a dramatic playoff showdown in 1969. That sent Kansas City to their first Super Bowl victory. Sunday’s game added another chapter to that rich history.

Chiefs’ defense stands tall in victory

Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive unit faced their moment of truth in the third quarter. After Mahomes threw an interception that gave Las Vegas possession at the Chiefs’ 3-yard line with the score at 17-13, four plays changed the game’s complexion.

The sequence showcased Kansas City’s defensive prowess. As reported by the KC Star, Alexander Mattison managed just two yards on his first two attempts before losing two more on third down. Thanks to a combined effort from linebackers Drue Tranquill and Nick Bolton. The stand culminated in Turk Wharton’s fourth-down sack of Gardner Minshew, delivering what proved to be the game’s defining moment.

Mahomes, despite the interception, showed why he remains the NFL’s most dangerous quarterback. He completed 19 of 24 first-half passes for 192 yards. While new acquisition DeAndre Hopkins made an immediate impact in his Chiefs debut. Hopkins, playing just 23 snaps after arriving via trade from Tennessee last week, pulled down two crucial first-down catches totaling 28 yards.

The victory pushed the Chiefs to 7-0, marking their best start since joining the NFL. The team’s third-down efficiency proved crucial, converting 12 of 16 attempts. This includes several key scrambles by Mahomes that kept drives alive. Travis Kelce seems to have found his tunes as well. As Kansas City prepares for their Monday Night Football showdown with Tampa Bay on November 4, they’ve shown once again why they remain the team to beat in the AFC West.