Bowers proves missing piece, puts Raiders’ offense over the top in win at Saints

Las Vegas Raiders defeated the New Orleans Saints 35‑27 on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, securing their first 3‑0 start in five years. The victory was highlighted by a standout performance from third‑year All‑Pro tight end Brock Bowers, who hauled in 10 receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Kirk Cousins spread the ball around, completing 22 of 33 passes for 248 yards and three touchdowns while finding five different receivers. Cody White, who had been relegated to the practice squad after a two‑touchdown effort the previous week, caught the game‑winning four‑yard score with about five minutes left in the fourth quarter, putting Las Vegas ahead 28‑27. The Raiders’ defense forced four straight turnovers to preserve the lead. Sixth‑year edge rusher Malcolm Koonce stripped Saints quarterback Tyler Shough on back‑to‑back drives; Maxx Crosby recovered the first fumble, and White’s touchdown followed the second. Crosby finished with two quarterback hits, a pass defensed, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Rookie cornerback Hezekiah Masses intercepted a Shough pass on the next drive, his third pick in two weeks, and returned it to the 10‑yard line. Cousins then connected with Bowers on a third‑down slant for the ensuing score. Crosby later pressured Shough into a fumble that cornerback Taron Johnson recovered, and linebacker Nakobe Dean stripped tight end Juwan Johnson, with cornerback Eric Stokes falling on the loose ball. Johnson had earlier troubled Las Vegas with eight catches for 53 yards and two touchdowns. On offense, the Raiders’ rushing attack got a boost from fourth‑round running back Mike Washington, who scampered for a 36‑yard touchdown on just four carries, gaining 54 yards. Starting back Ashton Jeanty finished with 19 carries for 56 yards after struggling to find rhythm earlier in the game. The win sets up a high‑stakes AFC West showdown next Sunday at Allegiant Stadium, where the 3‑0 Raiders will host the equally unbeaten Kansas City Chiefs at 1:25 p.m. Both teams feature a crop of rookies making early impacts, including Masses and Washington for Las Vegas. With the offense clicking and the defense creating turnovers, Las Vegas appears to have all the ingredients needed for a deep playoff push.