Patrick Mahomes throws five TDs as the Chiefs defeat the Raiders 41-14 on Sunday Night Football

Would you have believed it if someone told you on Oct. 24 that the Chiefs would be in sole ownership of first place in the AFC West after three games?

Even the most fervent Kansas City fans might have disagreed with that prediction. After winning their last three games, including a 41-14 victory over the Raiders on Sunday Night Football, the Chiefs are in first place.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes had his best game of the year, completing 35 of 50 throws for 406 yards, five touchdowns, and no interceptions, tying his season high in yards and touchdowns.

Travis Kelce, the Chiefs’ tight end, topped the team with 119 yards on eight catches. Darrell Williams, the running back, had 101 yards on nine receptions, including a 38-yard touchdown catch over safety Jonathan Abram in the fourth quarter. Tyreek Hill, meanwhile, had seven grabs for 83 yards and two touchdowns.

The Chiefs led 17-7 at halftime, but the Raiders immediately tied the game at 17-14 with a touchdown on their first drive of the second half.

But after that, it was all Kansas City.

Noah Gray, a tight end, scored for the first time in his career in the third quarter, collecting a 1-yard touchdown pass. Then, on his first reception as a Raider, receiver DeSean Jackson fumbled, giving Kansas City an extra possession that they converted into a field goal.

To put the game out of reach, the Chiefs added Williams’ 38-yard touchdown and a 22-yard touchdown pass from Mahomes to receiver Byron Pringle to go up 27-14 in the fourth quarter.

Late in the fourth quarter, the Raiders had an opportunity to score a consolation touchdown. However, a holding penalty disallowed Derek Carr’s touchdown pass to tight end Darren Waller in the end zone.

Carr’s ball to Hunter Renfrow on fourth-and-goal was swatted away for a turnover on downs.

Carr has hit a snag after a strong start to the season. Carr threw a bad interception in the third quarter as his team trailed 27-14. He flung the ball up toward the middle of the field as he was being hit. Safety Daniel Sorensen, who has surrendered many plays this season, was on hand to catch it for a takeaway.

Carr completed 25 of 35 passes for 261 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception in the game.

On third down, Las Vegas was 1-of-9, with 15 first downs. Kansas City had 516 yards, 29 first downs, and 9-of-15 third-down conversions.

With the loss, the Raiders fall to 5-4 and will host the 5-4 Bengals at home next week.

The Chiefs, who are 6-4, face a big game against the Cowboys in Week 11 at home.