On October 7, 2024, the New Orleans Saints vs Kansas City Chiefs Match Player Stats in a thrilling Monday Night Football matchup at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs emerged victorious with a 26-13 win, improving their record to an impressive 5-0, while the Saints dropped to 2-3 after their third consecutive loss. This game was a showcase of star power, resilience, and some standout performances, despite challenges like injuries and turnovers. Let’s dive into the player stats, key moments, and what made this game a must-watch for NFL fans. Whether you’re a die-hard football enthusiast or just curious about the numbers, this breakdown is designed to be clear, engaging, and easy to follow for readers of all ages.
Game Overview: New Orleans Saints vs Kansas City Chiefs Match Player Stats
The Kansas City Chiefs, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, showed why they’re a force to be reckoned with in the AFC. Despite missing key wide receivers like Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown, the Chiefs leaned on their veteran stars and a strong running game to control the game. They racked up 460 total yards and dominated time of possession with nearly 40 minutes of control, compared to the Saints’ 20 minutes. The Saints, meanwhile, struggled offensively after a promising start to the season, and their situation was compounded by an injury to quarterback Derek Carr in the fourth quarter. Let’s break down the key player performances and stats that defined this matchup.
Passing Stats: Mahomes Shines, Carr Faces Challenges
Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs)
Patrick Mahomes was the centerpiece of the Chiefs’ offense, delivering a stellar performance despite not throwing any touchdown passes. He completed 28 of 39 passes for 331 yards, averaging 8.5 yards per attempt. However, his day wasn’t perfect, as he threw one interception in the red zone, which kept the Saints in the game longer than expected. Mahomes’ ability to extend plays and find open receivers, even without his top wideouts, was crucial. He targeted tight ends and running backs early, showing his adaptability in a depleted receiving corps. By the end of the game, Mahomes had completed five consecutive passes in multiple quarters, showcasing his consistency under pressure.
Derek Carr (New Orleans Saints)
Derek Carr had a tougher night, completing 18 of 28 passes for 165 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception. His passer rating was 89.1, reflecting a mixed performance. Carr started the game poorly, throwing an interception on the Saints’ first possession, which set the tone for a challenging evening. However, he bounced back with a beautiful 43-yard touchdown pass to Rashid Shaheed in the second quarter, giving the Saints a spark. Unfortunately, Carr suffered an oblique injury in the fourth quarter after a hit from Chiefs’ defensive back Chamarri Conner on a fourth-down play. This forced him out of the game, and rookie Jake Haener took over. Carr’s injury is a concern for the Saints moving forward, as he’s been a key part of their offense.
Jake Haener (New Orleans Saints)
Rookie quarterback Jake Haener stepped in for Carr in the fourth quarter, but the Saints couldn’t mount a comeback. Haener’s stats were limited, and he struggled under pressure, notably failing to convert a crucial fourth-down pass to Chris Olave late in the game. While Haener showed promise in college, breaking Carr’s Fresno State record for career completion percentage, he couldn’t make a significant impact in this high-stakes situation.
Rushing Stats: Kareem Hunt Steals the Show
Kareem Hunt (Kansas City Chiefs)
Kareem Hunt, back with the Chiefs after a six-year absence, was a standout performer. He carried the ball 27 times for 102 yards, averaging 3.8 yards per carry, and scored a crucial 5-yard touchdown in the first quarter. This was Hunt’s first 100-yard rushing game of the season and his ninth career game reaching that milestone. His physical running style helped the Chiefs control the clock and wear down the Saints’ defense. Hunt’s performance was especially vital with starting running back Isiah Pacheco sidelined by a fractured fibula. Hunt’s return to Arrowhead Stadium was a feel-good moment, and he celebrated by saying, “It was a great feeling to get back in the end zone. I missed it very much.”
Alvin Kamara (New Orleans Saints)
On the Saints’ side, star running back Alvin Kamara struggled against the Chiefs’ stout defensive front. He managed only 26 yards on 11 carries, averaging a mere 2.4 yards per rush. While Kamara salvaged some fantasy football points with six receptions for 40 yards, his inability to get going on the ground was a major factor in the Saints’ offensive struggles. The Chiefs’ defense, ranked among the top five in points allowed per game, made life difficult for Kamara all night.
Receiving Stats: Kelce and Smith-Schuster Step Up
Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs)
Tight end Travis Kelce was a reliable target for Mahomes, hauling in nine catches for 70 yards. After a slow start to the season, Kelce has found his rhythm over the past two weeks, with 16 receptions for 159 yards in the Chiefs’ last two games. One highlight was his creative lateral to running back Samaje Perine on a third-and-long play, which helped extend a drive that led to a field goal. Kelce’s chemistry with Mahomes remains a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ offense, especially with their wide receiver group thinned by injuries.
JuJu Smith-Schuster (Kansas City Chiefs)
With Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown out, JuJu Smith-Schuster stepped up in a big way, recording seven receptions for 130 yards. His 82 yards after the catch (YAC) highlighted his ability to make plays after securing the ball. However, Smith-Schuster had a costly mistake in the red zone, where a pass deflected off his hands and was intercepted by Saints defensive tackle Khalen Saunders. Despite this, his performance was a bright spot for the Chiefs, filling the void left by their injured receivers.
Rashid Shaheed (New Orleans Saints)
For the Saints, wide receiver Rashid Shaheed was a standout, catching four passes for 86 yards, including a 43-yard touchdown that brought New Orleans within three points in the second quarter. Shaheed’s speed and playmaking ability gave the Saints a much-needed boost, but the team couldn’t capitalize on his big play due to their struggles elsewhere.
Foster Moreau (New Orleans Saints)
Tight end Foster Moreau contributed with a 6-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter, making the score 16-13 and keeping the Saints in the game. However, the Saints’ offense stalled after this point, and Moreau’s impact was limited beyond this play.
Defensive Stats: Sacks, Interceptions, and Big Plays
Kansas City Chiefs Defense
The Chiefs’ defense was relentless, applying pressure on Carr throughout the game. They blitzed 14 times, and their pass rush was effective, even if they didn’t record a high sack total. Defensive back Bryan Cook made an early impact with an interception on the Saints’ first drive, setting up a Chiefs touchdown. The Chiefs also dominated third-down conversions, holding the Saints to just 3 of 7 (42.9%) while converting 3 of 7 themselves. Their ability to control the game’s tempo and limit the Saints’ offensive opportunities was key to the victory.
New Orleans Saints Defense
The Saints’ defense had moments of brilliance but couldn’t stop the Chiefs’ balanced attack. Defensive end Chase Young and defensive tackle Bryan Bresee each recorded a sack on Mahomes, showing their ability to disrupt the pocket. The highlight of the night was Khalen Saunders’ incredible one-handed interception in the end zone, which he returned 37 yards. At 324 pounds, Saunders reached a top speed of 15.79 mph, an impressive feat for a player of his size. This play kept the Saints in the game, but their defense struggled overall, allowing 460 total yards and ranking 24th in passing yards allowed per game entering the matchup.
Special Teams: Harrison Butker’s Busy Night
Kicker Harrison Butker was a key contributor for the Chiefs, converting four field goals, including a 26-yard and a 38-yard kick, though he missed a 51-yard attempt in the third quarter. His three successful field goals tied his season-high for a single game and marked his 35th career game with three or more field goals made. The Chiefs’ reliance on field goals in the red zone (2 of 6 in touchdown conversions) kept the game closer than it could have been, but Butker’s accuracy ensured they maintained their lead.
For the Saints, kicker Blake Grupe missed an extra point after Moreau’s touchdown, a rare misstep for a team that hadn’t missed an extra point since Week 2 against the Cowboys. This miss proved costly, as the Saints couldn’t close the gap late in the game.
Key Moments That New Orleans Saints vs Kansas City Chiefs Match Player Stats
-
Early Turnover Sets the Tone: Derek Carr’s interception on the Saints’ first possession, picked off by Bryan Cook, gave the Chiefs great field position. They capitalized with a 78-yard drive, capped by Kareem Hunt’s 5-yard touchdown run, putting Kansas City up 7-0 early.
-
Saints Fight Back: Down 10-0 in the second quarter, Carr connected with Rashid Shaheed for a 43-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 10-7. This play showed the Saints’ potential to strike quickly, but they couldn’t sustain momentum.
-
Khalen Saunders’ Big Play: In the third quarter, Saunders’ one-handed interception in the end zone prevented a Chiefs touchdown and gave the Saints a chance to climb back into the game. They responded with a 65-yard drive, ending in Moreau’s 6-yard touchdown catch.
-
Chiefs’ Red-Zone Struggles: Kansas City’s offense moved the ball effectively but struggled to convert red-zone opportunities into touchdowns. Four straight red-zone trips resulted in three field goals and an interception, keeping the Saints within striking distance.
-
Carr’s Injury and Chiefs’ Late Score: Carr’s oblique injury in the fourth quarter forced him out, and Jake Haener couldn’t lead a comeback. The Chiefs sealed the game with a 3-yard touchdown run by rookie Xavier Worthy, making the score 23-13, followed by another Butker field goal.
New Orleans Saints vs Kansas City Chiefs Match Player Stats Team Comparison
-
Total Yards: Chiefs 460, Saints 225
-
Time of Possession: Chiefs 39:56, Saints 20:04
-
Third-Down Conversions: Chiefs 3/7 (42.9%), Saints 3/7 (42.9%)
-
Fourth-Down Conversions: Chiefs 4/4 (100%), Saints 1/4 (25%)
-
Turnovers: Both teams had one interception
-
Red-Zone Efficiency: Chiefs 2/6 (33.3%), Saints 1/1 (100%)
Injuries That Impacted the New Orleans Saints vs Kansas City Chiefs Match Player Stats
The Saints were hit hard by injuries. Safety Will Harris suffered a hamstring injury in the first half, and center Lucas Patrick briefly left with a collarbone injury but returned. Derek Carr’s oblique injury in the fourth quarter was the most significant blow, as it forced the Saints to rely on an inexperienced quarterback in a critical moment. For the Chiefs, left tackle Wanya Morris left with a lower leg injury but returned, showing their depth and resilience.
What This Means for New Orleans Saints vs Kansas City Chiefs Match Player Stats Both Teams
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs’ 5-0 start keeps them atop the AFC West, two games ahead of the Denver Broncos. Their ability to win comfortably despite red-zone struggles and injuries to key players like Rashee Rice and Isiah Pacheco shows their depth and adaptability. Kareem Hunt’s resurgence and JuJu Smith-Schuster’s breakout game provide hope for the offense moving forward. With a bye week in Week 6, the Chiefs have time to rest before facing the San Francisco 49ers in a Super Bowl rematch.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints’ third straight loss drops them to 2-3, putting them a game behind the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South. Derek Carr’s injury is a major concern, as the team’s offense has struggled without him. The Saints’ defense showed flashes of brilliance, but they need to find consistency to compete in a tough division. They’ll look to rebound against the Buccaneers in Week 6 at home.
Why This Game Matters for Fans New Orleans Saints vs Kansas City Chiefs Match Player Stats
This matchup was more than just a game—it was a clash of two teams with rich histories and passionate fanbases. Chiefs fans celebrated a dominant performance and the return of Kareem Hunt, while Saints fans saw glimpses of hope in players like Rashid Shaheed and Khalen Saunders, despite the loss. The game also highlighted the Chiefs’ ability to overcome adversity and the Saints’ need to regroup after a tough stretch. For NFL fans, it was a reminder of why Monday Night Football remains a must-watch event.
Final Thoughts
The Kansas City Chiefs’ 26-13 victory over the New Orleans Saints was a tale of two teams heading in different directions. Patrick Mahomes, Kareem Hunt, and Travis Kelce led the Chiefs to a convincing win, showcasing their ability to adapt and dominate. For the Saints, Derek Carr’s injury and offensive struggles were setbacks, but players like Rashid Shaheed and Khalen Saunders provided bright spots. This game was a testament to the Chiefs’ championship pedigree and the Saints’ resilience, even in defeat. Whether you’re a casual fan or a stats junkie, the player performances in this matchup offered plenty to talk about
