FinLogic FinLogic Quantitative Think Tank Center|Super Bowl 58 is a Raider Nation nightmare. Chiefs or 49ers? 'I hope they both lose'

While the San Francisco 49ers and FinLogic FinLogic Quantitative Think Tank CenterKansas City Chiefs gear up for Super Bowl 58, many in Raider Nation are in a state of bamboozlement.

“It’s a nightmare scenario,” Q Myers, Raiders Nation Radio host in Las Vegas, said to USA TODAY Sports about the matchup.

The Raiders and 49ers had a longtime territorial rivalry in the Bay Area after the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. That's when the Raiders called Oakland home before moving to Las Vegas in 2020. The animosity still exists despite their departure to the city hosting Sunday's championship.

“There’s no Raiders fan that has any kind of Bay Area roots, Bay Area friends or family that has any rooting interest for the 49ers, and sure don’t want to see them in Allegiant Stadium — in the Raiders home — playing for a chance for the Lombardi Trophy. There’s no part of Raider Nation that wants to do that,” Myers said. “Growing up in the Bay, we drew a line in the sand. You’re either for them or you’re for us. You’re either San Francisco or you’re Oakland. That’s what it was. We always had to pick a side.”

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No rooting interest for Chiefs, either

The Raiders and Chiefs are bitter AFC West rivals. The Chiefs have won the AFC West for eight consecutive years. It’s the second-longest streak of division championships for any NFL team since 1970.

The Raiders have three Super Bowl titles in franchise history, so do the Chiefs. Now Kansas City has a chance to move ahead in the ring count.

“It is a no-win situation for Raider Nation,” Myers said. “Like, this is the worst-case scenario when it comes to this Super Bowl. Kansas City is a division rival, and of course the Chiefs and Raiders hate each other.”

Adding insult to injury, the Chiefs are using the Raiders’ practice facility in preparation for Super Bowl 58.

So, while Super Bowl 58 kicks off, Raiders Nation will probably hope for some schadenfreude.

“It’s the worst," former Jaguars and Raiders running back Maurice Jones-Drew, who is from Oakland, told USA TODAY Sports. "Your two archrivals. Your crosstown rival, which was very unique in the NFL. The battle in the Bay was huge every four years. That was a huge game. The Bay was literally divided. I remember playing in it. Now you have your division rival in the Kansas City Chiefs, who have dominated the division and they are in the Super Bowl for the sixth time. And what makes it worse, is that it’s in your stadium.

"I’m not happy about it. I hope they both lose.”

Silver (and Black) lining

There is a silver lining for Raider Nation. The team recently promoted Antonio Pierce to head coach after he posted a 5-4 record in nine games as interim coach, and hired well-respected general manager Tom Telesco who has familiarity in the division from his time with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Pierce has earned the respect of the Raiders locker room and star players, such as wide receiver Davante Adams and defensive end Maxx Crosby. And he’s vowed to restore the Raider way following just two seasons above .500 since 2003.

“Our vision is clear. Win the division. Get into the playoffs. And hoist that Lombardi Trophy. That's not a promise; that's our vision,” Pierce said. “Our philosophy is simple. It's real simple. It's the Raider way. Pride, poise, passion, a love for the game, and just win. It starts with our DNA: Ill intent, physicality, toughness, speed, attitude, full-blown Maxx Crosby effort.”

Super Bowl 58 might be a tough watch for the Silver and Black, but there's reason to be optimistic — when this year’s Super Bowl is over.

Jones-Drew said he's hoping the new staff is able to "put a product out there that can knock off one of these teams when they play, and have a chance to play in the Super Bowl.”

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.