Following a couple of tough losses, the Kansas City Chiefs finally got back on track by punching down a team that was well below their weight class. Clearly, hosting the drifting New York Jets was just what the doctor ordered.
Patrick Mahomes and company overcame a somewhat slow start on offense to take control of this one in the second and into the third quarter. The defense shut down the Jets in the second half, recording a season-high five sacks and forcing multiple turnovers.
While this win isn't a barometer to determine whether the Chiefs are back to being top-tier Super Bowl contenders, it's always nice to win by double digits. Considering that, let's take a look at the winners and losers from this exciting matchup.
Winners and losers from the Chiefs' bounce-back win over the Jets
Winner: Travis Kelce
Travis Kelce isn't at the peak of his powers anymore, so watching him post big numbers for a change is refreshing. He didn't seem to be on the same page with Mahomes on a would-be big catch in the first half, but he turned the corner right away.
The future Hall of Famer finished the game with four catches on six targets for 72 yards, including a 38-yard explosion to set up one of the Chiefs' scores. His lone carry was also a one-yard score from just outside the end zone.
Winner: Kenneth Walker III
Speaking of big carries, Kenneth Walker III reaffirmed his status as the most impactful offseason addition in the league. It might not be hyperbole to say that he's been the best running back in the NFL this season.
The defending Super Bowl champion crushed Aaron Glenn's defense with 102 rushing yards on 18 carries (5.7 yards per attempt). He also had four receptions on as many targets for 41 yards and three total touchdowns.
Loser: Xavier Worthy
Xavier Worthy was having a solid game—which was rare—before he got hurt again—which wasn't. He had six receptions on as many targets for 48 yards but left the game with what seemed to be a hamstring injury.
He can't be trusted to stay on the field, and even when he does play, he's not consistent. This injury only forces the Chiefs further into the trade market for a reliable pass catcher, even more so.
Winner: George Karlaftis
George Karlaftis is playing the best football of his career, and it's not particularly close. The Chiefs' star pass rusher set up camp in Geno Smith's backfield, tormenting the veteran quarterback and having him run for his life on nearly every dropback.
Karlaftis finally did a better job of finishing pressures with sacks in this one, taking down the quarterback twice. He also had six total tackles (four solo) in what may have been his best game of the season.
Winner: Chris Jones
It had been a long while since the last time we saw Chris Jones' name in the 'winners' column. Once a superstar, the veteran defensive tackle hasn't been the same in recent weeks; Father Time is just ruthless like that.
Even so, Jones managed to turn back the clock in this one. He looked like his vintage self with a couple of sacks and four total tackles. Hopefully, this will be the catalyst he needs to turn the corner again.
Loser: Harrison Butker
There's just no way to justify keeping Harrison Butker in the building for a day longer. While that doesn't mean they should replace him with Justin Tucker, it's probably going to be what happens. Despite the off-field noise surrounding the former Baltimore Raven.
Butker missed two consecutive 50-plus-yard field goals to end the half, despite only one of them counting due to a Jets penalty. He made all five of his PATs, but Butker continues to miss kicks on a weekly basis, and the Chiefs can't afford to have him hold them back anymore.
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