Three straight wins to begin the 2026 season have the Kansas City Chiefs tied atop the AFC West with the very team they are set to face before they hit an early-season Week 5 bye. It's not the Denver Broncos and certainly not the winless Los Angeles Chargers, but rather the lowly Las Vegas Raiders sporting the same undefeated record as KC through three weeks.
The Chiefs will travel to the desert in an attempt to take full control of the division after just four games. And what they will face is a Raiders offense that is reinvigorated behind a really smart play-calling head coach in Klint Kubiak, a successful veteran signal-caller in Kirk Cousins, and a bevy of playmakers at all three skill positions.
It should be yet another test for a young Chiefs secondary that has had its growing pains over a trio of games, but should be returning to full strength this week with the expected return of starting safety/corner hybrid Chamarri Conner.
Chamarri Conner’s Week 4 return could bring a veteran presence and continuity to growing Kansas City Chiefs back end.
Andy Reid says "there's a good chance" Chamarri Conner will be available Sunday in Las Vegas. "We'll just he how the week goes."
— Sam McDowell (@SamMcDowell11) September 28, 2026
Conner has been much maligned for a couple years in Kansas City, but much of that was not due to fans having disdain for himself. Although he was a terrible coverage corner in the slot/nickel area, it was rather that the defensive coaching staff was determined to keep him in a role where he was clearly not best suited.
Heading into the 2026 season and his fourth professional campaign, Conner was expected to be the starting safety alongside free-agent addition Alohi Gilman, his natural position. But after banging knees with receiver Tyquan Thornton in training camp, Conner has been nursing his injury ever since.
He's been back at practice for a little over a week now and is set to return just in time for a surging Raiders passing attack. Brock Bowers is arguably the league's best tight end and accounted for over 100 yards on 10 catches and a touchdown in his own season debut in Week 3.
The Raiders also have pass-catching weapons such as the speedy Tre Tucker, second-string tight end Michael Mayor, and who can forget star running back Ashton Jeanty. Conner's coverage skills may not be his calling card, but he is a sure tackler, has years of experience in Steve Spagnuolo's system, and is a vocal leader in the DB room.
He was second last year on the Chiefs in total tackles (117) and first in defensive snaps (1,022). Jaden Hicks has played well in his stead, but if utilized correctly, Chamarri Conner should be a major positive addition for Kansas City going forward.
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