Klint Kubiak shows confidence in his Raiders by predicting victory at halftime of loss to Chiefs

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Klint Kubiak didn’t sound like a coach searching for a moral victory Sunday.

He sounded like one who expected a real one.

Even after the Raiders suffered their first loss of the season, 30-27 to the Kansas City Chiefs, Kubiak’s message revealed something about where he hopes to take his team.

The first-year coach isn’t trying to convince his players they belong in big games. He’s coaching them as if they already know they do.

That became evident at halftime, when Kubiak — normally reluctant to make bold proclamations — told a CBS sideline interviewer, “We’re going to win the game.”

Asked what prompted him to say it, Kubiak offered a simple explanation.

“That’s how I felt,” he said. “So I just said what I felt.”

His in-game decisions showed conviction, too. Early in the third quarter, Matthew Gay made a 41-yard field goal, but Kansas City was flagged for illegal formation. Kubiak had a choice: Decline the penalty and keep the three points, or accept it, erase the field goal and give the offense another chance on fourth-and-2 from the Chiefs 18.

Kubiak chose aggression. The Raiders accepted the penalty, but Kirk Cousins’ pass to Ashton Jeanty fell incomplete.

“I don’t regret it,” Kubiak said. “I regret not getting it.”

That distinction says plenty about the mentality Kubiak is attempting to establish. He wants the Raiders to enter games against teams like Kansas City knowing they can win.

“That’s why you play the game, that’s why you suit up, that’s what we expect every week,” Kubiak said. “We have really good players, we have talented coaches, and that’s our expectation every week.”

Las Vegas rode that confidence to a 13-10 lead entering the fourth quarter.

“When your head coach believes in you, that goes a long way,” said Cousins, who passed for 365 yards and two touchdowns. “You feel that. You play with that confidence.”

With his team now at 3-1, Kubiak hopes to make the most of the defeat.

“You find out way more about yourself through adversity,” he said, “and so we have some adversity right here.”

See AP’s full NFL coverage here

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Chamarri Conner (27) during the first half of an NFL football game in Las Vegas, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) scores a touchdown past Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Mansoor Delane (5) during the first half of an NFL football game in Las Vegas, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak speaks during a news conference after an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Las Vegas, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins, left, looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Las Vegas, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak watches from the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Las Vegas, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Eagles running back Saquon Barkley said he'd love to stay with the team amidst trade rumors after six straight losses.

“I would love to be here," Barkley told reporters after Philadelphia's 27-10 loss to Washington on Sunday night. “I plan on being here. I don’t like the way the season is going, but I am not one of those guys that wants to jump ship. That’s not the type of person you want to have, and that’s not the person I am. I’d rather be a part of a solution to the problem and hopefully be a reason we fix it.”

Now, with one game remaining before the trade deadline, on Nov. 10, the Eagles (2-6) are in last place with the NFC East-leading Giants headed to Philadelphia next Sunday. And with a handful of other injuries on the roster, including to quarterback Jalen Hurts, Barkley had to address his future with the team Sunday.

Barkley had 14 touches for 54 yards and a touchdown against the Commanders, but certainly didn't play a full allotment of snaps as he has dealt with hamstring and back injuries.

In his third season with the Eagles, Barkley has rushed for 274 yards on 56 carries (4.9 yards per carry) with two rushing touchdowns. He's also caught seven passes for 41 yards.

The Eagles have already traded offensive lineman Cam Jurgens to the Ravens for two draft picks, which has opened the door to conversations about future moves.

Barkley, though, says he'd like to stick in Philadelphia.

See AP’s full NFL coverage here

Washington Commanders defensive tackle Tim Settle (97) tackles Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley during the first half of an NFL football game in Landover, Md., Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) scores a touchdown ahead of Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu (4) during the first half of an NFL football game in Landover, Md., Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)