Patrick Mahomes knows exactly what awaits him when the Kansas City Chiefs take the field against Maxx Crosby and the Las Vegas Raiders.
And he wouldn’t want it any other way.
The Chiefs and Raiders will renew their AFC West rivalry Sunday in Las Vegas, and this meeting carries considerably more weight than many of their recent matchups. Kansas City and Las Vegas both enter the game with perfect 3-0 records, putting an early divisional advantage on the line.
For Mahomes, though, one matchup remains impossible to ignore.
Crosby has spent years trying to make Mahomes’ life miserable. The two have exchanged words, hits, smiles and plenty of memorable moments during their careers.
Mahomes made it clear Wednesday that beneath all of it is genuine respect.
“He’s one of the best competitors in the league,” Mahomes said. “There’s a ton of respect for how he plays the game of football, how he competes and the man that he is.”
Then Mahomes explained exactly what Crosby does to him.
“For me, I just know when I step on that football field, I’m going to need my best because he’s going to bring his best,” Mahomes said.
Patrick Mahomes, Maxx Crosby Have Developed Unique Rivalry
This isn’t a made-up rivalry.
Mahomes and Crosby have been going after one another for years.
One of their most famous exchanges came during Kansas City’s 30-29 comeback victory over Las Vegas in 2022, when their heated interactions were later captured on Netflix’s “Quarterback.”
The relationship has evolved considerably since then.
Crosby still wants to put Mahomes on the ground. Mahomes still wants to make Crosby chase him around the field all afternoon.
But the two stars have developed a mutual appreciation for what the other brings to the game.
That’s especially true after what both experienced over the past year.
Mahomes spent the offseason recovering from ACL and LCL injuries suffered late last season. Crosby also had to work his way back from a knee injury.
Both made it back.
Now they’re about to meet again.
Chiefs-Raiders Suddenly Has Major Stakes
There is another reason Sunday’s matchup feels different. The Raiders aren’t simply playing spoiler this time.
Las Vegas is 3-0 after winning only three games all of last season. Kansas City is also 3-0, meaning one of the NFL’s most recognizable rivalries will feature two undefeated teams.
Crosby has already made his feelings about the matchup clear, saying on his podcast that when it comes to facing Mahomes, “It’s war.”
Mahomes’ response wasn’t nearly as combative. It may have been just as telling.
The Chiefs quarterback knows Crosby will bring everything he has Sunday. Mahomes plans on doing exactly the same.
And that’s exactly why these two seem to enjoy competing against each other so much.
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