5 Best KC Chiefs Plays from First Half of 2023 Season

Any NFL team that goes 7-2 in the first nine weeks has a fair share of exciting plays.

The Chiefs are no exception. We've seen thrilling highlights from breakout players like Trent McDuffie, George Karlaftis, Rashee Rice, and more, as well as the usual excellence from our favorite stars including Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Chris Jones.

That being said, not every play or player can make the cut here. Check out below KC Kingdom's favorite plays from the first half of the 2023 season.

5 Best KC Chiefs Plays from First Half of 2023 Season

5. Isiah Pacheco's 48-yard TD Run vs. New York Jets - Week 3

I love watching Isiah Pacheco play football very much. He's been a revelation this season with 685 all-purpose yards on 148 touches and four TDs.

This run was the highlight of a career-high 115 rushing yards in his first game back in his hometown. Pacheco's aggressive running style and relentless nature make him easy to root for, and the way he churns his limbs in this run radiates joy.

Kansas City's offense has had its fair share of relative struggles, but Pacheco has been the most consistent spark.

Pacheco's 48-yard dash gave the Chiefs a 10-0 lead just seven minutes into the game. He wasted no time in celebrating his return to New Jersey and we should waste no time in celebrating his fantastic start to the season.

Before the next four epic plays, let's keep the celebrations rolling with an easy $150 win. FanDuel Sportsbook is giving new users a $150 bonus for correctly picking the winner of ANY NFL Week 10 game! Bet just $5 or more on any team to win and you'll get $150 in bonus bets if you're right. Sign up for FanDuel now!

4. Travis Kelce's 1-Yard TD Catch vs. Los Angeles Chargers - Week 7

It's truly been the Year of Kelce, hasn't it?

This impressive catch score capped off a career-high 143 yards in the first half against the Chargers, a game the Chiefs would ultimately win 31-17.

Kelce has quickly become one of the faces of American sports, thanks to his hit podcast, public appearances, and blossoming relationship, to say nothing of his Hall of Fame play.

Through nine weeks, Kelce has 57 catches for 597 yards and 4 TDs. He missed Week 1 with an injury and has fought off other ailments, but he remains Patrick Mahomes' most dependable and trusted pass-catcher.

That Kelce was able to hold onto this football while being swarmed by defenders says enough about the play, but that he did it in a critical moment helped by his teammates elevates it to another level.

3. Patrick Mahomes' 25-Yard Scramble on 3rd-and-23 vs. New York Jets - Week 3

Mahomes' 25-yard run for a massive first down late in the 4th quarter against the Jets was beautiful for so many reasons. To name a few:

1. It was eerily reminiscent of a play we've seen before
2. It came immediately after a 14-yard run for a first down was called back on a penalty
3. It perfectly showcased the new element in Mahomes' game that makes the Chiefs unstoppable

Things haven't always been pretty, but Mahomes is getting the job done in new ways. The Chiefs are No. 1 in the AFC for a reason, after all.

Kansas City's defense deserves its flowers and it'll soon get it here, though the two-time Super Bowl MVP is still piling up wins with clutch plays like this one. When the Chiefs need him to deliver, he nearly always does.

I've had a blast watching Mahomes scramble around and utilize his legs, though I'm certain defenses are furious about it.

2. Justin Watson's 33-Yard Catch on 3rd-and-18 vs. Minnesota Vikings - Week 5

This was such an awesome play.

Just like Mahomes' scramble, this long conversion to open the second half of Chiefs vs. Vikings looked eerily similar.

Watson has been Mahomes' best deep threat this year and no play better illustrates their chemistry than this one. With fans on edge about the wide receivers and concerned about the offense overall, Watson's reliability has been a big boost.

He has just 14 catches but 276 yards, good for an average of 19.7 that leads all qualified NFL receivers.

Despite missing time with an injury, Watson remains a surprisingly vital part of this offense. We can expect a couple of deep shots a game, and this fantastic play proves Watson is more than capable of delivering more highlights.

Can we get a drumroll, please? There can only be one play to lead them all as the best of the season thus far. If I'm being honest, it was an obvious choice.

1. Bryan Cook's 59-Yard Fumble Recovery TD vs. Miami Dolphins - Week 9

The poetic play defining precisely why the Chiefs won the Tyreek Hill trade.

I'd go so far as to call it a defining play of this era of Chiefs football. How could it get any better? After chatter all week about Tyreek's first game against Kansas City, the crown jewel of the trade (McDuffie) forced a Tyreek fumble and the rest is history.

Mike Edwards scooped up the loose ball, lateraling it in a stroke of genius to second-round pick Bryan Cook for the spectacular TD. It's hard not to get goosebumps rewatching it.

This defense has shut down offenses all year, but this play beautifully illustrates how Brett Veach's investment in that side of the ball gives the Chiefs a considerable advantage against the competition.

The Chiefs are here to win as many Super Bowls as possible. If the organization hoists another Lombardi Trophy, you can bet this play will be one you remember.

Cheers to gaining many more great memories in the second half!

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