The Kansas City Chiefs hit the ground running in Week 10. Andy Reid's team didn't mess around, and even with some big absences on offense, Patrick Mahomes and company took care of business against the Atlanta Falcons.
This game would have been much more lopsided if it weren't for a perfectly executed onside kick by Jake Moody that was basically left for Atlanta due to Xavier Worthy freezing up. Even so, it was a nearly perfect performance by the Chiefs in a hostile environment and against a team desperate for a win.
Even the best things can be improved, and this game certainly wasn't the exception to that rule. That said, there are definitely plenty of reasons to be excited about this one. With that in mind, let's talk winners and losers from this one.
Winners and losers from the Chiefs' big win over the Falcons
Winner: Patrick Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes was playing behind a makeshift offensive line and with a bunch of JAGs in the wide receiver room. Even so, he completed 22 of 35 passes for 348 yards, five touchdowns, no turnovers, and took just one sack. He's silencing the doubters and playing like the best quarterback in football (again).
Winner: Emmett Johnson
Emmett Johnson had to step up with Kenneth Walker III out, and step up he did. The rookie fifth-round pick carried the ball 22 times for 101 yards, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. He also had six catches for 70 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his elusiveness and explosiveness and making a strong case for more opportunities going forward.
Winner: Cyrus Allen
Speaking of fifth-round rookies making a splash, Cyrus Allen made the most of his limited opportunities in this one. He still hasn't gotten as many opportunities as he should, but he stepped up to the plate with two catches on four targets for 44 yards and a 39-yard touchdown that put the game out of reach.
Winner: Mansoor Delane
Mansoor Delane is a star in the making, and he proved it again by breaking up a would-be touchdown in the second half and playing shutdown defense all day long. The rookie gave up just one reception on four targets for seven yards, and he keeps getting better and more confident each week. Michael Penix Jr. didn't even want to look his way.
Winner: George Karlaftis
George Karlaftis' breakout season lives on. The pass-rusher continues to play like an All-Pro, adding 1.5 sacks to his tally. He has added another batted pass (league-leading 7), four hurries, and one quarterback hit. Karlaftis has been the heart and soul of Steve Spagnuolo's defense this season, especially on third down. It took him long enough, but he's finally paying back that big contract of his.
Winner: Josh Downs
Josh Downs went from one of the worst teams in the league to being 7-2 and becoming an integral part of the offense. The Chiefs didn't waste time getting the slot specialist acclimated, as he finished the game with four receptions on five targets for 43 yards on just 10 snaps played.
Loser: Chamarri Conner
Chamarri Conner had a long day at the office, though it's hard to blame him, since he had to go against the likes of Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Bijan Robinson. He gave up three completions on four targets for 58 yards and a couple of first downs, including 17 yards after the catch. He also missed a couple of tackles.
Loser: Xavier Worthy
On a day where Mahomes threw the ball for over 340 yards and five touchdowns, Xavier Worthy somehow found a way to not have an impact on offense. Not to mention the special teams blunder he had in not even trying to secure the Atlanta onside kick. Worthy went without a single catch on three targets, despite playing over 80% of offensive snaps.
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