Final score: Chiefs beat Saints 32-29 in physical battle at Superdome

The Kansas City Chiefs outlasted the New Orleans Saints in a physical battle in New Orleans on Sunday, winning 32-29. With the win, the Chiefs improved to 13-1 on the season, while the Saints dropped to 10-4.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes outdueled Drew Brees in Brees’ return to the lineup, throwing for 254 yards and three touchdowns, as the New Orleans quarterback threw for 234 yards, three touchdowns — and a key interception midway through the first quarter.

Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed took the ball from Brees on his third pass of the game, giving Kansas City possession at the Saints’ 36. It was Sneed’s third interception of the season.

Starting at the New Orleans 36, the Chiefs worked the ball into the red zone in six plays. On third-and-4 at the Saints’ 5-yard line, Mahomes rolled to his right and hit Tyreek Hill for a touchdown and 7-0 lead. Hill’s touchdown was his 15th of the season, tying a franchise record.

Mahomes converted two third downs on the Chiefs’ next possession as he pushed the Chiefs to the goal line. With one yard to go for the score, Mahomes threw a quick screen to tight end Travis Kelce, who pushed it in for the touchdown. Kansas City had scored 14 unanswered points to start the game.

After a tough 0-for-7 start to his first game in four weeks, Brees brought the Saints to the Kansas City 3-yard line early in the second quarter with a deep, 51-yard pass to wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders down the right sideline. The Saints’ backup quarterback — tight end Taysom Hill — cut the Chiefs’ lead in a half with a 1-yard touchdown run.

Wide receiver Demarcus Robinson fumbled a punt through the back line of the end zone in the closing seconds of the second quarter, giving the Saints a safety. Heading into halftime, the Chiefs led 14-9.

The Saints started the second half with the ball, moving down the field quickly — in part due to a 15-yard roughing the passer call on Chris Jones and a 19-yard pass inteference call on Sneed. At the Chiefs’ 24, running back Latavius Murray leaked out to Brees’ left, and Brees rainbowed a pass to him for a 24-yard score. After the two-point conversion failed, the Saints led 15-14.

Now down for the first time in the game, the Chiefs marched back down the field to the New Orleans 5. On second down, Mahomes was forced out to his left — and just before he was pushed out of pounds, he fired a pass to the back left of the end zone. Wide receiver Mecole Hardman caught the low pass and managed to drag his back foot for a 21-15 Chiefs lead. The Chiefs extended the game to 29-15 on an option play in which Mahomes dished it to Le’Veon Bell for a 12-yard score.

On Kansas City’s next possession, New Orleans defensive linemen Carl Granderson and Trey Hendrickson broke free to sandwich Mahomes, causing him to fumble. Linebacker Kwon Alexander picked up the football at the Chiefs 25. A couple of plays later, Brees passed to running back Alvin Kamara for a 14-yard touchdown, and the Saints pulled within a touchdown at 29-22.

After a Harrison Butker field goal to make it 32-22, Brees converted a fourth-and-2, then hit receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey for a 17-yard touchdown. Up 32-29, Mahomes hit Kelce for a first down — and Bell ran for another — to drain the clock for the win.

In addition to his pick, Sneed registered his first career sack. He also had three passes defended. As a team, the Chiefs hit Brees seven times. Kelce led the Chiefs with 68 receiving yards and his touchdown.

Injuries

• With usual right tackle Mike Remmers not playing due to a back issue, the Chiefs moved Andrew Wylie from right guard to right tackle. Stefen Wisniewski entered the lineup at right guard.
• Linebacker Emmanuel Smith left the game midway through the third quarter due to a hamstring injury.
• Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire left the game in the fourth quarter with a hip and leg injury. He did not appear to be able to put weight on his left leg as he was helped from the field.
• Running back Le’Veon Bell briefly received the attention of trainers in the fourth quarter, but he quickly returned to his feet.

Rapid reaction

The game’s rapid reaction will be posted to our homepage shortly

Statistics