Las Vegas snapped a skid with a 20-10 win over Tennessee, setting up a brutal stretch that starts with Kansas City. The Raiders enter Week 7 as big underdogs (about 11.5 points) but can lean on a season-high pressure rate that yielded six sacks of Cam Ward and a defense that kept Titans in check. Offense remains a concern, with a quiet running game (2.1 ypc) and a conservative passing approach, yet Carlson’s 50-yard kick and strong special teams kept Vegas afloat. Brock Bowers’ knee status is murky, while Maxx Crosby continues to anchor the defense. The next test is the Chiefs, followed by Jaguars, Broncos and beyond.

Kansas City has started to regain form after early losses, riding a dominant run of appearances in the top title games and a 30-17 win over Detroit. If Vegas can sustain the pressure up front and clean up his decision-making, there’s a path to keep this game close. For fantasy, focus on the Raiders’ pass rush and Carlson’s leg as buy-low options, and monitor Bowers’ status for potential breakout usage if healthy. The upcoming slate will demand a mix of opportunistic play and cautious optimism from Raiders supporters.

In a season defined by unpredictable outcomes, this week’s matchup could hinge on Vegas’ defensive flash and the Chiefs’ ability to protect Mahomes against a sharpened edge rush. The Raiders’ ability to sustain pressure, paired with a more composed game plan from Geno Smith’s counterparts in the Chiefs’ offense, will determine whether Vegas can steal a win or slip further behind in the AFC West.

DJ Moore left Week 6 with an arm issue but returned to the Bears’ game, and the latest updates keep Moore’s Week 7 status in limbo. Fantasy managers should monitor practice reports and Denver’s injury tracker for clarification on Moore’s role and target share if he’s limited.

Meanwhile, Brock Bowers’ Week 7 status for the Raiders, Chris Godwin’s injury chatter, and CeeDee Lamb’s Week 7 return are all hot fantasy topics. Za'Darius Smith’s Eagles situation and Browns QB depth, plus Joe Flacco trade chatter, add depth-and-value considerations as rosters tighten for playoff pushes.

Mayer's return re-energizes the Raiders’ offense and stabilizes a unit hit by injuries, lifting both the passing game and special teams. His impact, paired with a healthier two-tight-end look, reshapes Chip Kelly’s play-calling and gives Geno Smith a trusted safety valve as Las Vegas eyes a Week 6 clash with Tennessee. The squad’s depth at tackle and the presence of Mayer and Bowers anchor a clearer path to offensive efficiency and fantasy upside.

Coaches and players praised Mayer for his big game and leadership on special teams, underscoring how his absence muted the attack during the previous four games. With Miller, Mayer, Bowers, and Powers-Johnson back, the Raiders’ configuration could tilt toward more balanced, explosive outputs, especially in high-leverage fantasy matchups against the Titans.