The Las Vegas Raiders have started the season red hot with a 3-0 record. They have defeated the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Miami Dolphins so far. Derek Carr has been phenomenal, leading the Silver and Black to a quick start.

It was a thrilling overtime victory for the Raiders, which was their second overtime win in the first three games. With that said, here are three takeaways from another overtime thriller in their win against the Dolphins.

Raiders takeaways

3. The defense needs improvement

While the Raiders have started 3-0, but their defense could use improvement. The Dolphins scored when it mattered most, despite their starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa being out with injury. If Las Vegas is going to be true contenders in the AFC, it needs to improve the defense.

This could include making a trade or a few if the Raiders want to go all in. The pass rush is solid, but they need to improve the run defense. Against the Dolphins, the Silver and Black allowed 133 rushing yards, which kept the Dolphins in the game.

An addition to the secondary or linebacker core could also help the Raiders defense improve. If they can add an elite defensive player, they could vault over the top in the playoff race.

2. Derek Carr is an MVP candidate

Derek Carr has been one of the best players in the league this season. He is proving all the haters wrong, as many have suggested the Raiders trade Carr away. Now, he is playing at a high level, which has emerged him as an MVP candidate.

Through three games, Carr has thrown for 1,203 yards for six touchdowns and only two interceptions. He also has a  64.7 completion percentage and a 101.4 quarterback rating. Carr has always gone under the radar but is proving that he can be a franchise quarterback.

Look for Carr to continue his success and help the Raiders make a playoff push.

1. The Raiders' offense is elite

This offense has been elite and has taken the league by storm. The Silver and Black are near the top in almost all the offensive categories, making them a nightmare to defend. Vegas has a great group of young receivers and a top tight end in Darren Waller. Waller is a matchup nightmare and has opened up the rest of the Vegas offense.

A big key in this team's success has been the running game. Even with star running back Josh Jacobs out, the Raiders were able to rush for 140 yards.

Peyton Barber was the lead rusher for Vegas against the Dolphins. Barber had 23 carries for 111 yards and a touchdown. Having a strong run game will help this group throughout the season, especially come playoff time.

This strong run game has helped Carr and the Raiders' passing game improve. The Raiders now have an offense that is playing at an elite level, which is hard for opposing teams to stop. If they can keep up this offensive production, they will have a great shot at making the playoffs.

The Raiders are finally back into playoff contention. Over the past few years, the Kansas City Chiefs have dominated the AFC West, but that has changed so far this season. This division is loaded with the 3-0 Denver Broncos, 2-1 Los Angeles Chargers, and the reigning AFC champion Chiefs.

While they have a tough division, the Raiders have the talent and capability to make a postseason run.