KANSAS CITY, Mo.* – The Kansas City Chiefs powered past the New Orleans Saints with a 26-13 victory on “Monday Night Football,” moving their season record to 5-0.
Coming into the game with concerns about their wide receiver corps, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster delivered his best performance of the year, hauling in seven receptions for 130 yards. Meanwhile, the Saints’ offense struggled, and QB Derek Carr left the game in the fourth quarter due to an oblique injury.
Key Takeaways:
Kansas City Chiefs (5-0)
The Chiefs cruised to their most comfortable win of the season, breaking their streak of close games that dated back to last season’s playoffs. They controlled the game at Arrowhead Stadium, extending their record to 5-0. This marks the 12th consecutive season under head coach Andy Reid that the Chiefs have enjoyed a five-game win streak.
Notable Performance*: RB Kareem Hunt, filling in for the injured Isiah Pacheco, was key to the Chiefs’ offense, rushing for 102 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries. Hunt’s strong showing gives Kansas City added depth in the backfield when Pacheco returns.
Missed Opportunity*: Despite the win, Kansas City struggled in the red zone, going just 2-of-6 inside the Saints’ 20-yard line. A deflected pass by Smith-Schuster at the goal line led to a New Orleans interception, preventing another score.
New Orleans Saints (2-3)
The Saints, already dealing with several injuries, couldn’t keep pace with Kansas City’s high-powered offense. Derek Carr’s early interception set the tone, and the Saints were unable to recover. A bright moment came with Carr’s 43-yard touchdown pass to Rashid Shaheed, but the offense faltered, dropping New Orleans to their third straight loss.
Game-Changing Play: Defensive tackle Khalen Saunders, facing his former team, made a highlight-reel one-handed interception in the end zone, running it back 37 yards.
Offensive Struggles: The Saints’ offense was limited, particularly on the ground, as their injury-riddled offensive line struggled to create running lanes. Carr’s deep passes were largely unsuccessful, and after his injury, backup Jake Haener finished 2-of-7 for 17 yards.
Next Up
– Chiefs: at San Francisco 49ers (Oct. 20, 4:25 p.m. ET)
– Saints: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Oct. 15, 1:00 p.m. ET)