Kansas City Chiefs News

Unbeaten Chiefs get first look at Broncos QB Bo Nix

Unbeaten Chiefs get first look at Broncos QB Bo Nix

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes kept the Kansas City Chiefs perfect with an overtime win against the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday.While Mahomes is dealing with a sore left ankle, he insists it won't be a concern Sunday as the unbeaten Chiefs host the Denver Broncos."When you have a little bit of a roll, it's a little bit sore," Mahomes said of his ankle ailment, which he aggravated on Monday. "But I'm able to move around and look forward to getting out to practice and seeing how I can push it as the week goes on."Kareem Hunt scored a 2-yard touchdown run in OT to give the Chiefs a 30-24 victory and cap a 106-yard day on the ground.Despite hobbling off the field against Tampa Bay due to the ankle injury that first occurred a week earlier, Mahomes went 34-for-44 for 291 yards and three touchdowns.Recent acquisition DeAndre Hopkins had eight receptions for 86 yards and two touchdowns while tight end Travis Kelce enjoyed his biggest game of the season, catching 14 passes for 100 yards.Now Kansas City will take aim at AFC West rival Denver (5-4). Off to an 8-0 start for the third time in franchise history, the Chiefs enter with a 14-game winning streak dating to last year, including the postseason.With Mahomes' mobility possibly in question due to the ankle issue, the quality of the footing on the field might turn into an issue on Sunday. Not only is there a chance of rain this weekend in Kansas City, but the game will follow a Saturday college contest between Kansas and Iowa State at Arrowhead Stadium.The Jayhawks are playing four games in Kansas City, Mo., this season (plus two in Kansas City, Kan.) as their campus venue in Lawrence, Kan., is renovated.Kansas City boasts a stranglehold on the recent series with Denver, earning victories in 16 of the past 17 matchups since 2015. The only Broncos win in that span was the latest meeting, a 24-9 decision in October 2023 at Denver.
No limitations for Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes (ankle)

No limitations for Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes (ankle)

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes won't be limited in practice after aggravating his injured ankle in Monday night's game.Mahomes said Wednesday that he's able to "move around" on the ankle, which he said is sore "when you have a little bit of a roll." He told reporters he's looking "forward to getting out to practice and seeing how I can push it as the week goes on."The unbeaten Chiefs (8-0) begin practicing for a game against division rival Denver (5-4) on Sunday in K.C.Mahomes aggravated the ankle on a touchdown pass to Samaje Perine in the fourth quarter of the Chiefs' 30-24 overtime win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night. Mahomes had to be helped to the sideline but did not miss a play. He threw for 291 yards and three TDs.
Chiefs need OT before besting Bucs to remain unbeaten

Chiefs need OT before besting Bucs to remain unbeaten

Kareem Hunt bulled his way in for the decisive 2-yard rushing score with 4:08 left in overtime and the Kansas City Chiefs remained unbeaten with a 30-24 victory over the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night.Patrick Mahomes passed for 291 yards and three touchdowns despite aggravating his left ankle injury while helping Kansas City (8-0) win its 14th consecutive game, including the postseason. DeAndre Hopkins caught two touchdown passes in his second game for Kansas City.The Buccaneers scored a tying touchdown in the final minute of regulation, but the Chiefs won the coin toss at the start of overtime and never allowed Tampa Bay to possess the ball again. It was the first time all season Kansas City reached the 30-point mark.Hunt rushed for 106 yards on 27 carries, Travis Kelce had 14 receptions for 100 yards and Hopkins had eight catches for 86 yards. Mahomes connected on 34 of 44 passes.Baker Mayfield completed 23 of 31 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns for the Buccaneers (4-5). Cade Otton had eight receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown, and Ryan Miller caught the tying 1-yard pass with 27 seconds to play in the fourth quarter.Kansas City drove 70 yards on 10 plays in overtime.The Chiefs knotted the score at 17 on Mahomes' 7-yard touchdown pass to Samaje Perine with 14:14 left in the fourth.Mahomes reinjured the ankle on the play. He was running toward the line of scrimmage and took an awkward step before making a shot put-like throw to Perine.Mahomes eventually needed to be helped off the field, and he entered the medical tent. A short time later, Mahomes jogged down the sideline and then returned to the contest when Kansas City next had possession.Mahomes wasn't hampered on the Chiefs' ensuing march as he guided a 15-play, 78-yard drive over 8:26 during pouring rain. He hit Hopkins with a 5-yard scoring pass to give Kansas City a 24-17 lead with 4:17 to go.The Buccaneers answered with a 10-play, 71-yard drive to force OT.
Week 9 MNF: Chiefs-Buccaneers Preview, Props & Prediction

Week 9 MNF: Chiefs-Buccaneers Preview, Props & Prediction

The Chiefs try to keep their perfect season alive when they host the Buccaneers on Monday night.Despite being 7-0, things haven't gone smoothly for Kansas City with mounting injuries at skill positions.Wide receivers Rashee Rice (knee), Hollywood Brown (shoulder), and Skyy Moore (groin) are all on injured reserve, while JuJu Smith-Schuster will miss a second straight week after reaggravating his hamstring.Kansas City is also without starting running back Isiah Pacheco (fibula).But the Chiefs moved quickly to add reinforcements, signing free agent running back Kareem Hunt and trading for veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.The Buccaneers won't have much sympathy for the Chiefs. Tampa Bay lost top two best wide receivers, Chris Godwin (ankle) and Mike Evans (hamstring), to injuries in Week 7.Back-to-back defeats dropped the Bucs to 4-4, and it's unlikely that the team will be a buyer before the trade deadline.As things stand, it's difficult to see a path to victory for the Buccaneers in what figures to be a tricky spot on the road against the Chiefs.Weather could lead to slow start for BuccaneersWhile it's fair to debate whether Kansas City is worthy of being a massive 9-point favorite, there are other factors we must consider for this matchup.The weather could play a critical role as the forecast calls for extended periods of rain with wind.Such conditions could be detrimental for the Bucs, who are more used to playing under clear skies and warm Florida sun.If the Buccaneers fall behind, it's difficult to see the offense gaining traction after consecutive double-digit losses.Considering their injuries at wide receiver, the last thing you'd want if you're Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is to throw a wet ball to receivers who lack significant reps with the first team.
Undefeated Chiefs, uncharacteristictally unimpressive, take on Bucs

Undefeated Chiefs, uncharacteristictally unimpressive, take on Bucs

The Kansas City Chiefs are the only undefeated team in the NFL, but they haven't displayed a dominant show of success.And that's totally fine with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.Mahomes and the Chiefs (7-0) will look to continue their winning ways Monday night when they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Five of Kansas City's victories were by seven points or fewer, and the offense hasn't scored 30 yet this season.And Mahomes, a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player, doesn't have dazzling statistics. He ranks 16th in passing yardage (1,651) and has more interceptions (nine) than touchdown passes (eight)."When we win, it doesn't as hurt as bad," Mahomes said of the statistics. "Obviously, I want to be perfect, I want to be great, I don't want to put our defense in bad positions like the other day. At the end of the day, I want to win."However we have to win the football game, I'm good with it."The Kansas City defense certainly saved Mahomes on Oct. 27 during a 27-20 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.The Chiefs were leading 17-13 midway through the third quarter when Mahomes threw an interception in his own end, setting the Raiders up with first-and-goal from the Kansas City 3-yard line. The defense stuffed three straight running plays, and Tershawn Wharton sacked Gardner Minshew on fourth down to avoid damage.That sequence also displays why the Chiefs are unbeaten -- getting key contributions and making big plays at the right time."We've just got to keep getting better and better as we go," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "That's the important thing, and guys are working hard."Kansas City experienced bumps last season as well before putting things together and winning its third Super Bowl during the Reid-Mahomes era. The Chiefs have won 13 consecutive games (counting playoffs) entering the game against the Buccaneers (4-4).Tampa Bay, which has dropped its past two games, is averaging 34.2 points over the past five games but has just two victories during that stretch.Quarterback Baker Mayfield isn't impressed with all the points his club has scored. He also is not boasting about leading the NFL with 21 touchdown passes and ranking second in yardage (2,189)."The one stat we should be better in is wins," Mayfield said. "That's the one stat I'm focused on."
Reports: Chiefs acquire OLB Josh Uche from Patriots

Reports: Chiefs acquire OLB Josh Uche from Patriots

The Kansas City Chiefs acquired pass-rusher Josh Uche from the New England Patriots on Monday, multiple outlets reported.The Chiefs are sending a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Patriots, NFL Network reported.Uche was an 11th-hour "healthy scratch" ahead of New England's win over the New York Jets on Sunday.
Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs hold off Raiders to stay unbeaten

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs hold off Raiders to stay unbeaten

Patrick Mahomes completed 27 of 38 passes for 262 yards, two touchdowns and one interception, and the Kansas City Chiefs held on for a 27-20 win over the host Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday afternoon.Travis Kelce had 10 catches for 90 yards and a touchdown for Kansas City (7-0), which is the NFL's last unbeaten team this season. Kareem Hunt added a touchdown on the ground and Xavier Worthy had a TD catch.Gardner Minshew completed 24 of 30 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns for Las Vegas (2-6). Jakobi Meyers and D.J. Turner had one touchdown catch apiece.Kansas City outgained Las Vegas 334-228. The Chiefs converted 12 of 16 opportunities on third down for a 75 percent success rate, and the Raiders converted six of 13 third-down chances for a 46 percent success rate.The Chiefs opened the scoring on their first possession. Hunt finished the 70-yard drive with a 1-yard run for his fourth touchdown in as many games this season.The Raiders evened the score at 7-7 with 2:39 remaining in the first quarter. Minshew connected with Meyers for a 7-yard touchdown to complete a 12-play, 70-yard drive.Daniel Carlson drilled a 54-yard field goal to put the Raiders on top 10-7 with 10:13 to go in the second quarter.Kansas City regained a 14-10 lead with 1:57 left in the second quarter. Mahomes spotted Kelce open near the goal line and fired a strike for a 5-yard score.Harrison Butker added a 42-yard field goal to increase the Chiefs' lead to 17-10 with 4 seconds left in the first half.
Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs put unbeaten streak on line vs. Raiders

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs put unbeaten streak on line vs. Raiders

The Kansas City Chiefs, the NFL's sole remaining unbeaten team, will try to continue that streak Sunday on the road against the Las Vegas Raiders.The reigning Super Bowl champions, the Chiefs (6-0) haven't lost since last Christmas Day -- 20-14 to the Raiders.And it's likely the Chiefs will take a new present to Las Vegas. Reports surfaced earlier this week that the team was acquiring wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins from the Tennessee Titans. The 12th-year receiver has totaled just 15 receptions for 173 yards and a touchdown in six games for the Titans, but the three-time All-Pro has seven 1,000-yard seasons to his credit, including last season when he posted 75 receptions for 1,057 yards and seven scores.The Chiefs need help in their receiver corps as JuJu Smith-Schuster left Sunday's 28-18 victory over the San Francisco 49ers after aggravating a hamstring injury. Coach Andy Reid already ruled out Smith-Schuster against the Raiders.Meanwhile, the Chiefs offense is operating without Rashee Rice, who is expected to miss the rest of the season after suffering a serious knee injury in a Week 4 contest against the Los Angeles Chargers.With the trade not yet official on Wednesday afternoon, Reid declined to talk about Hopkins during his midweek availability with the media. However, quarterback Patrick Mahomes already is looking forward to playing with Hopkins."I think our coaches do a great job of getting guys up to speed, and you've seen that throughout this year already," Mahomes told reporters Wednesday. "Bringing in guys, getting them up to speed fast, and then let them go out there and make an impact and do what they're great at."Raiders coach Antonio Pierce told reporters Wednesday that he expects the Chiefs to have a few plays designed for Hopkins should he be on the roster Sunday.Hopkins wouldn't be the Raiders' only concern against the Chiefs, however."To be honest, no disrespect to Hop, this offense still goes through (tight end Travis Kelce) and (rookie receiver Xavier) Worthy now down the field vertically," Pierce said.
Chiefs welcome WR DeAndre Hopkins

Chiefs welcome WR DeAndre Hopkins

Three-time All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is in a rush to get acclimated to the Kansas City Chiefs.Hopkins' acquisition from the Tennessee Titans became official Thursday with the Chiefs parting with a conditional fifth-round draft pick to land the 32-year-old. NFL Network reported the compensation would become a fourth-round selection if Kansas City reaches the Super Bowl and Hopkins plays 60 percent of the snaps in the Chiefs' final 11 regular-season games.The Chiefs are all hands on deck at wide receiver these days due to injuries. Marquise "Hollywood" Brown (shoulder) and Rashee Rice (right knee) are on IR and JuJu Smith-Schuster aggravated a hamstring injury in Kansas City's 28-18 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Smith-Schuster already has been ruled out for the Chiefs (6-0) ahead of this Sunday's game against the host Las Vegas Raiders (2-5).Hopkins has 15 catches for 173 yards and a touchdown in six games (three starts) for the Titans this season.Adding to the offensive arsenal on the fly is nothing new for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is sharing the backfield with recently re-signed Kareem Hunt with Isiah Pacheco (leg) on injured reserve. The Chiefs acquired wide receivers at midseason the past two years, landing Kadarius Toney from the Giants in 2022 and Mecole Hardman from the Jets last fall.Hopkins brings a minuscule drop rate -- under 4 percent -- and a penchant for coming down with passes in jump-ball situations. Those factors could show up quickly for an offense uncharacteristically punchless in the red zone before getting four touchdowns in five trips inside the 49ers' 20 last week.
Report: Chiefs acquiring WR DeAndre Hopkins from Titans

Report: Chiefs acquiring WR DeAndre Hopkins from Titans

The Kansas City Chiefs are acquiring three-time All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins from the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a conditional fourth-round draft pick, multiple outlets reported Wednesday morning.The trade is expected to be completed later on Wednesday, per ESPN.The Chiefs have endured several significant injuries at the position this season.Offseason acquisition Marquise "Hollywood" Brown sustained a season-ending shoulder injury in the preseason. Rashee Rice's season came to an abrupt end due to a right knee injury in Week 4, and JuJu Smith-Schuster aggravated a hamstring injury in Kansas City's 28-18 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.Smith-Schuster already has been ruled out for the Chiefs (6-0) ahead of this Sunday's game against the host Las Vegas Raiders (2-5).Hopkins, 32, has 15 catches for 173 yards and a touchdown in six games (three starts) this season.
Chiefs CB Jaylen Watson (ankle) on IR, set for surgery

Chiefs CB Jaylen Watson (ankle) on IR, set for surgery

The Kansas City Chiefs placed cornerback Jaylen Watson on injured reserve Tuesday and could be without him for the rest of the season.Watson will have surgery on a broken fibula and tibia in his ankle, ESPN reported, and while he could make it back in time for the playoffs, it's far from a guarantee.Watson, 26, was injured in Sunday's win over the San Francisco 49ers that pushed the Chiefs to 6-0. He had started all six games and recorded 32 tackles and six pass breakups.
Chiefs outclass 49ers in Super Bowl rematch

Chiefs outclass 49ers in Super Bowl rematch

Kareem Hunt rushed for two first half touchdowns Sunday as the Kansas City Chiefs became the only unbeaten team in the NFL with a 28-18 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., in a rematch of last season's Super Bowl.Patrick Mahomes completed 16 of 27 passes for 154 yards with two interceptions for Kansas City (6-0) but ripped off a career-high 33-yard run to set up a key fourth-quarter touchdown. The Chiefs outrushed San Francisco 184-101 and possessed the ball for more than 35 minutes while winning the rematch of last season's Super Bowl won by Kansas City.Brock Purdy hit 17 of 31 passes for 212 yards but tossed three interceptions, two of them ending potential scoring drives in the second half. The 49ers (3-4) were missing three offensive starters by the time the game ended. Wide receivers Deebo Samuel (illness) and Brandon Aiyuk (knee) left before halftime and tackle Trent Williams was ejected late in the fourth quarter for throwing a punch.San Francisco pulled within 14-12 with 10:29 left in the third quarter when Purdy rushed for the first of his two touchdowns from a yard out but the 49ers failed to make the two-point conversion. It was driving for a possible go-ahead score when Purdy was picked off by Chris Roland-Wallace at the 21-yard line.Kansas City then ripped off a 79-yard, 13-play drive that lasted nearly seven minutes. Mahomes' big run set up first-and-goal at the 4 and he scored on a fourth-down run from the 1 with 14:13 left in the game.After Purdy's third interception, the Chiefs sealed the outcome by marching 80 yards in 6:20. Mecole Hardman peeled off an 18-yard touchdown run on a jet sweep with 3:09 remaining for an insurmountable 28-12 advantage.
Chiefs rule out JuJu Smith-Schuster, Jaylen Watson for Week 8

Chiefs rule out JuJu Smith-Schuster, Jaylen Watson for Week 8

The Kansas City Chiefs already have ruled out wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster for their Week 8 game due to a hamstring injury.Coach Andy Reid also ruled out starting cornerback Jaylen Watson on Monday. Watson, 26, reportedly suffered a fractured ankle and could be done for the season.Smith-Schuster, 27, left Sunday's 28-18 win over the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter after aggravating the hamstring he first injured Thursday in practice. He was not targeted prior to exiting.Smith-Schuster has nine catches for 147 yards and a touchdown in six games (three starts) this season.Watson was on crutches and wearing a cast after the game. He was having tests Monday to determine the severity of the injury and whether he could return this season.
49ers try again to solve Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs

49ers try again to solve Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs

Of course the 49ers want another shot at the Kansas City Chiefs, a replay of the Super Bowl in Las Vegas on what turned into a forgettable February afternoon for San Francisco.The Chiefs are chasing a three-peat and are off to a 5-0 start, stringing together 11 consecutive wins dating to last Christmas through the postseason. Inarguably their greatest win in that batch was the 25-22 overtime victory in which the Chiefs overcame a 10-point deficit and captured the Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl LVIII.San Francisco is 3-3 after taking head coach Kyle Shanahan termed a "must win" in his locker room before an NFC West grudge match at Seattle on Oct. 10. He is not going quite that far this week, but there is no denying how important the 49ers believe Sunday could be to their 2024 season."I try to have the same conversation every week, just word it a little differently -- I never want to say 'must win,'" Shanahan said. "I see this game like I see all games. Every game matters. But I didn't choose those words (must win) this week."While the 49ers are relatively rested from a 10-day window between games and want the rematch, the timing of rolling out the red carpet for the NFL's crownbearer isn't entirely perfect. Kansas City had last week off.Chiefs coach Andy Reid owns the NFL's highest winning percentage coming out of a bye week. He is 21-4 (.840), including an 8-3 record coming out of a bye week in the regular season with Kansas City.In addition, the Niners aren't exactly a picture of health. They are still without 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey, and his backup, Jordan Mason, the No. 2 rusher in the NFL this season, left last week's game with a sprained shoulder.Also, 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (hip) and kicker Jake Moody (right ankle sprain) did not practice Wednesday. Wideout Deebo Samuel Sr. (wrist) was limited.Defensive end Mike Danna (pectoral) was the lone regular who didn't practice out of the bye for the Chiefs.Shanahan said shifts in scheme have been common in matchups with the Chiefs, altering tendencies on offense and defense in the fourth quarter particularly. The bottom line for all opponents trying to solve Kansas City is beating quarterback Patrick Mahomes."Everyone says 'down year' because their numbers aren't just crazy. But Pat's as good as it gets," said Shanahan, who is 0-7 in his career against Reid as an assistant or head coach. "He's been as good as it gets since the first year he got to play. All of their games except for one has come down to the last possession, and he's as good as it gets in that situation."Shanahan's record vs. Reid includes two defeats in 49ers-Chiefs Super Bowl matchups. Kansas City beat San Francisco 31-20 in February 2020.Injuries are not an excuse the Chiefs are introducing. Though refreshed after a week off, Kansas City is far from full strength with 12 games to go in the regular season.The Chiefs head West without No. 1 running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) and the team's top two wide receivers Hollywood Brown (shoulder) and Rashee Rice (knee), who are all on injured reserve. Familiar faces rejoined the Chiefs in recent weeks and now find themselves in prominent roles alongside Mahomes. Kareem Hunt is working as the top running back again for the Chiefs, and Kansas City rediscovered JuJu Smith-Schuster, signed off the street in August, in a seven-catch, 130-yard effort in Week 5 vs. New Orleans.
Chiefs WR Rashee Rice undergoes knee surgery

Chiefs WR Rashee Rice undergoes knee surgery

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice underwent knee surgery, coach Andy Reid confirmed on Monday.Rice, 24, is facing a long recovery and rehabilitation period following posterolateral corner surgery on his injured right knee."It's probably the same result you get timewise as an ACL. It takes a while for that to come back," Reid said. "He'll get into his rehab and get rolling on that as we go here."Rice was injured when he accidentally collided with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in a Week 4 road win against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Patrick Mahomes throws for 331 yards as unbeaten Chiefs top Saints

Patrick Mahomes throws for 331 yards as unbeaten Chiefs top Saints

Kareem Hunt and Xavier Worthy rushed for touchdowns, Harrison Butker kicked four field goals, Patrick Mahomes passed for 331 yards and the host Kansas City Chiefs defeated the New Orleans Saints 26-13 on Monday night.JuJu Smith-Schuster caught seven passes for 130 yards and Travis Kelce made nine receptions for 70 yards to help the Chiefs (5-0) overcome the absence of injured wide receivers Hollywood Brown and Rashee Rice.Hunt rushed for 102 yards, while Mahomes completed 28 of 39 passes with one interception.New Orleans quarterback Derek Carr completed 18 of 28 passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns with one interception before leaving the game because of an oblique injury in the fourth quarter.Rashid Shaheed finished with four catches for 86 yards and a touchdown, but the Saints (2-3) lost their third consecutive game.The Chiefs had an opportunity to extend their 16-7 halftime lead on the first possession of the third quarter, but Butker's 51-yard field goal hit the right upright and caromed wide.Kansas City drove to the New Orleans 2-yard line on its next possession, but a Mahomes pass was intercepted in the end zone by defensive tackle Khalen Saunders, who returned to the New Orleans 35. Both teams went scoreless in the third quarter.On the second play of the fourth quarter Carr threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Foster Moreau, pulling New Orleans within 16-13. Blake Grupe's extra-point kick was no good.
Report: Chiefs WR Rashee Rice (knee) ruled out for season

Report: Chiefs WR Rashee Rice (knee) ruled out for season

Kansas City wide receiver Rashee Rice is not expected to play again this season because of a knee injury that will require an LCL repair, NFL Network reported.Rice is scheduled for surgery Tuesday, and while LCL surgery will cause at least a three-month recovery time, it's possible his ACL and other ligaments remain intact in his right knee, which will help reduce recovery time.Rice was injured in the first quarter of the Chiefs' 17-10 victory over the host Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 29 when he took an inadvertent hit from his quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.Mahomes threw an interception to Los Angeles cornerback Kristian Fulton, whose 29-yard return ended when Rice came up from behind him and poked the ball loose. Mahomes was simultaneously trying to make a tackle as Rice forced the fumble, and the signal-caller crashed into Rice's right knee.Rice, 24, was placed on injured reserve in the week leading up to Monday night's home game against the New Orleans Saints. Kansas City (4-0) is approaching its bye week, followed by games at San Francisco on Oct. 20, at Las Vegas on Oct. 27 and at home against Tampa Bay on Nov. 4.
Chiefs chasing sixth straight win over Chargers as Jim Harbaugh enters picture

Chiefs chasing sixth straight win over Chargers as Jim Harbaugh enters picture

Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes are nemeses to many in the NFL based on the Chiefs' track record of success approaching historic levels. Count the Chargers among the division rivals failing to live up to their end of the rivalry in recent years.When they meet Sunday at Los Angeles, Kansas City (3-0) seeks a sixth consecutive win over the Chargers (2-1) as the home team introduces first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh to what has become a one-sided AFC West fight with Reid and Mahomes. Turning the tables won't be easy."Multiple challenges," Harbaugh said of facing the Chiefs before Los Angeles enters its bye week. "Really good run game, really good throwing game, explosive offense. I think everybody understands the challenge of playing a quarterback like Patrick Mahomes in every way. His ability to move the ball with his legs, with his arm, within the offense is elite."Modest statistical production to date is becoming a hot topic outside of the Chiefs' locker room. Kansas City is 14th in the NFL in total offense (328 yards per game) and the usual lead receiver, perennial Pro Bowl tight end Travis Kelce, is off to an admittedly slow start with eight receptions for 69 yards and no touchdowns in three games.He's one reception from tying Tony Gonzalez for the franchise record with 916 catches, and Kelce's next TD catch from Mahomes would break a tie on the NFL's all-time list with Drew Brees and Jimmy Graham of the Saints for third-most QB-TE touchdown connections. But Reid said the narrative of Kelce being "old" or "distracted" is false."Defenses don't think that," Reid said. "We have another receiver who plays opposite him that has a lot of yards and catches. That's how this thing goes. Travis is fine. He's being Trav. He works his tail off. He hasn't lost a step and all those things. He's not distracted. People are making sure they have him taking care of, these defenses."Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is working through an ankle injury while starring as Mahomes' featured target in September with an NFL-high 24 receptions for 288 yards and two touchdowns. Mahomes has completed 69.6 percent of his passes for 659 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions through three games.The Chargers present a hefty challenge with a defense ranked in the top 10 in scoring defense (11 points per game, third), yards per game (267, sixth), run defense (91.7 per game, sixth) and pass defense (175.3 per game, 10th)."It's a physical football team, both sides of the ball," said Reid, who has a record of 17-5 against the Chargers since taking over the Chiefs in 2013. "You've got to be ready for a complete game. Their defenses are going to give you a variety of looks. One of the top defenses in the NFL right now."Mahomes will look across the line at a defense with a few missing pieces. Pass rusher Joey Bosa (hip) and linebacker Junior Colson (hamstring) sat out Wednesday's practice. Safety Derwin James Jr. was suspended for Week 4 after being penalized for unnecessary roughness at Pittsburgh.Elijah Molden or A.J. Finley will get the start -- along with Alohi Gilman -- at safety against the Chiefs."He genuinely cares and does not want to hurt anybody," Harbaugh said of James' one-game ban from the NFL. "He wants to do it the way the league wants it done and the evidence is there."It will be next man-up mentality."
Chiefs TE Travis Kelce focused on wins, not catches

Chiefs TE Travis Kelce focused on wins, not catches

Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce said he isn't too worried about his lack of production to start the season.As long as the team keeps winning, that is.Kelce has totaled just eight catches for 69 yards in three games this season. The four-time All-Pro and nine-time Pro Bowl selection said Wednesday on his "New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce" podcast that he feels the way opposing defenses have played the Chiefs thus far has prevented the ball from routinely coming his way."With how defenses are playing us right now, I'm not really getting a lot of opportunities to make plays down the field but (I'm) not using that as an excuse," Travis Kelce said. "Moving forward, still trying to make sure that I help the team out in that regard knowing I've been that weapon for us in the past."Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes noted earlier in the week that Kelce is drawing plenty of attention from opposing defenses."Yeah, it's crazy because teams still -- the respect factor they have for Travis is just unreal," Mahomes said. "It's well-deserved, but we're calling a lot of plays for Travis, and it's like two or three people are going to him. So, I mean, he understands."I think that's the great thing about him is he wants to make an impact on the game, but he wants to win at the end of the day."Travis Kelce, who turns 35 on Oct. 5, led the Chiefs with 93 receptions for 984 yards and five touchdowns in 2023. He sat out Week 17 against the Los Angeles Chargers, forgoing a chance to stretch his streak of consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to eight in order to enter the playoffs healthy.
Chiefs sign RB Kareem Hunt to active roster

Chiefs sign RB Kareem Hunt to active roster

The Kansas City Chiefs signed Kareem Hunt to the 53-man active roster and waived fellow running back Keaontay Ingram on Tuesday.The Chiefs had signed Hunt, who was a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie with Kansas City in 2017, to the practice squad last Wednesday when starter Isiah Pacheco went on injured reserve with a fractured fibula. Pacheco will be out a minimum of four games. Ingram had been signed to the active roster the same day.Kansas City had turned to veteran Samaje Perine and undrafted rookie Carson Steele in Pacheco's absence before bringing in Hunt.Hunt, 29, was a third-round pick by the Chiefs in the 2017 draft and rushed for 2,151 yards and 15 touchdowns in 27 games (all starts) during his two seasons (2017-18) in Kansas City.Kansas City released Hunt in November 2018 after a video surfaced of him shoving and kicking a woman in a hotel. After authorities did not move forward with criminal charges, Hunt rebooted his career with the Cleveland Browns in 2019.Hunt appeared in 15 games (two starts) for Cleveland last season, taking on a bigger workload after starter Nick Chubb suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2.

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