Chiefs vs Raiders: The NFL’s Longest-Running AFC West Rivalry
The Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders share one of the fiercest and most enduring rivalries in professional football. Dating back to the AFL’s founding season in 1960, this matchup has featured Hall of Fame quarterbacks, controversial moments, playoff intensity, and dramatic swings in momentum. Below is the most comprehensive breakdown of the Chiefs vs Raiders all-time history and stats, including head-to-head records, playoff results, scoring trends, and recent performance patterns.
Key Takeaways
- The rivalry began in 1960 as part of the original American Football League.
- Kansas City currently leads the all-time series.
- The teams have met once in the postseason, with Kansas City winning.
- The Chiefs have dominated the rivalry in the Patrick Mahomes era.
- Both teams have produced historic blowouts and long winning streaks.
All-Time Head-to-Head Record
The Chiefs and Raiders have played more than 125 regular-season games, making this one of the most frequently contested rivalries in the NFL. The series has swung back and forth over decades, but recent dominance by Kansas City has widened the gap.
CategoryChiefsRaidersAll-Time Wins71+50+Postseason Wins10First Meeting1960 (AFL Season)Longest Win Streak9 Games8 Games
Kansas City took control of the series during the late 2010s and early 2020s, winning the majority of matchups since 2015. Before that, the rivalry was far more balanced, particularly during the Raiders’ dominance in the 1970s and early 2000s.
How the Rivalry Began
The feud started when the Dallas Texans, who later became the Kansas City Chiefs, faced the founding Oakland Raiders in the AFL. Physical play, heated fan bases, and postseason implications quickly intensified the matchup.
In the 1960s, both teams were NFL powerhouses. Kansas City won Super Bowl IV following the 1969 season, while the Raiders appeared in multiple AFL Championship Games and eventually won Super Bowl XI after the 1976 season.
By the 1970s, the rivalry symbolized blue-collar toughness versus renegade swagger. Chiefs Chiefs Stadium crowds and the intimidating Raiders image fueled national attention, turning divisional games into must-watch events.
Playoff History
Despite more than six decades of battles, the Chiefs and Raiders have met only once in the postseason.
- 1991 AFC Wild Card: Chiefs 10, Raiders 6
Kansas City hosted and won that defensive battle, marking the only playoff meeting between the organizations. Given both franchises’ long histories, the rarity of postseason clashes adds even more intrigue to potential future matchups.
Recent Results and Trends (2015–Present)
The modern era of the rivalry has been defined by Kansas City’s offensive revolution under head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
SeasonMatchup ResultNotable Detail2018Chiefs SweepMahomes breakout MVP season2020Split SeriesRaiders handed KC lone regular-season loss stretch2021–2023Chiefs DominantMultiple double-digit victories
Key Modern Trend
Since 2018, Kansas City has averaged over 30 points per game against Las Vegas, while holding the Raiders near or below league-average scoring in most meetings. Quarterback stability and coaching continuity have largely explained the disparity.
Scoring Averages and Margins
Across the full rivalry history:
- The Chiefs average approximately 23 to 25 points per game.
- The Raiders average approximately 20 to 22 points per game.
- Several games have been decided by 20 or more points.
Historic blowouts include:
- Chiefs 48, Raiders 9 in 2013.
- Raiders 37, Chiefs 7 during prominent Oakland-era dominance years.
The rivalry often reflects broader team strength cycles. When one franchise is in championship contention, lopsided results tend to follow.
Home vs Away Performance
Home-field advantage has played a notable role throughout the rivalry.
- Kansas City maintains a strong winning percentage at Arrowhead Stadium.
- The Raiders historically performed better in Oakland than in recent years in Las Vegas.
- Road upsets are common during transitional seasons when one team is rebuilding.
Arrowhead Stadium is widely regarded as one of the loudest environments in the NFL, contributing to communication challenges for visiting offenses. Meanwhile, the Raiders’ Las Vegas home has introduced a more modern atmosphere that differs from the intimidating Oakland Coliseum era.
Iconic Players in Chiefs vs Raiders History
Kansas City Chiefs Legends
- Len Dawson
- Derrick Thomas
- Tony Gonzalez
- Jamaal Charles
- Patrick Mahomes
- Travis Kelce
Las Vegas Raiders Legends
- Ken Stabler
- Marcus Allen
- Howie Long
- Bo Jackson
- Tim Brown
- Derek Carr
Individual performances have often defined chapters of the rivalry. Derrick Thomas recorded multiple dominant pass-rushing games against the Raiders, while Mahomes has consistently posted high yardage and touchdown totals in recent matchups.
Longest Winning Streaks
Momentum shifts are a defining characteristic of Chiefs vs Raiders history.
- Chiefs longest streak: 9 straight wins.
- Raiders longest streak: 8 straight wins.
These streaks typically aligned with broader organizational stability. The Raiders’ streaks came during peak Oakland eras, while Kansas City’s extended run aligns with sustained playoff and Super Bowl contention.
Cultural and Divisional Impact
This rivalry transcends wins and losses. It embodies:
- AFL heritage and original divisional structure.
- Contrasting team identities: disciplined system versus rebellious mystique.
- Fan bases that travel and create intense stadium environments.
Because both teams compete in the AFC West, each game often influences playoff positioning. Divisional familiarity also adds tactical depth, as coaching staffs game plan against opponents they face twice every season.
Statistical Comparison Snapshot
CategoryChiefsRaidersSuper Bowl Titles3+3AFL Championships31Hall of Fame LegendsMultipleMultipleRecent Division TitlesFrequent since 2016Limited in modern era
While historically competitive, the modern statistical edge leans heavily toward Kansas City due to sustained postseason success and offensive efficiency.
What Defines the Modern Chapter?
The quarterback position has separated the teams in recent years. Kansas City’s franchise stability contrasts with Las Vegas’ multiple coaching changes and roster rebuilds. Defensive evolution has also shaped outcomes, with the Chiefs investing heavily in pass rush and secondary depth to counter divisional offenses.
Still, rivalry games often defy season-long trends. Emotional intensity, divisional familiarity, and historic resentment can narrow any talent gap on a given Sunday. In a league built on parity, no AFC West game carries more historical weight than Chiefs vs Raiders.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Chiefs vs Raiders Rivalry
When did the Chiefs vs Raiders rivalry start?
The rivalry started in 1960, when the Dallas Texans (who became the Kansas City Chiefs) faced the Oakland Raiders in the first American Football League season.
Who leads the all-time Chiefs vs Raiders series?
The Kansas City Chiefs lead the all-time regular-season series, with more than 71 wins compared with over 50 wins for the Raiders.
How many playoff games have the Chiefs and Raiders played against each other?
They have met once in the playoffs. In the 1991 AFC Wild Card game, the Chiefs beat the Raiders 10–6.
Why have the Chiefs dominated the rivalry in recent years?
Since 2015, the Chiefs have enjoyed stability with Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes, strong offensive schemes, and improved defense, which has led to frequent double-digit wins over the Raiders.
What are the longest winning streaks in the Chiefs vs Raiders rivalry?
The Chiefs’ longest winning streak in the rivalry is 9 straight games, while the Raiders’ longest streak is 8 straight games.
Which legendary players are most linked to this rivalry?
For the Chiefs, names like Len Dawson, Derrick Thomas, Tony Gonzalez, Jamaal Charles, Patrick Mahomes, and Travis Kelce stand out. For the Raiders, Ken Stabler, Marcus Allen, Howie Long, Bo Jackson, Tim Brown, and Derek Carr are key figures.
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