The Las Vegas Raiders have their work cut out for them again this season.

They’re expected to be a much-improved team, now that they hired head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly.

They also traded for quarterback Geno Smith and drafted running back Ashton Jeanty, and that should be more than enough to take a big leap on offense.

Unfortunately, they still have to deal with the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs twice a year.

Maxx Crosby isn’t afraid of that.

The defensive end claimed that while the Chiefs might have the best quarterback in the league, he’s always looking forward to the challenge because he believes he’s the best at his position in the NFL.

“It’s ultimate respect when it comes to [the Chiefs],” Crosby said. “They’ve earned it. They’ve won three Super Bowls, they’ve got the best quarterback in football. But for us, as a pass rusher, I’m going against the best quarterback. For me, I believe I’m the best pass rusher in the world, so every time we match up it’s [a] match made in heaven.”

Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt might want to have a say in this conversation, but there’s no denying that if Crosby isn’t the best, he’s on the podium.

Crosby plays with the fire and intensity of an underdog on every snap, and that kind of determination can make him look like the top pass rusher in the league when he’s at his best.

The AFC West is perhaps the most competitive division in the league right now, as now even the Raiders might be in the mix to make the playoffs.

Staying healthy will be crucial for Crosby, and it’ll be nice to see him put up another strong campaign.

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