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The Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints exchanged blows until the final minutes of what could be a Super Bowl preview. The game was as advertised and featured improbable throws from Patrick Mahomes, who led the Chiefs to a 32-29 win as they take the next step toward home-field advantage in the AFC.
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce finished with 68 receiving yards, which means he needs 60 yards next week against the Falcons to set a new NFL receiving yards record by a tight end. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill tied Dwayne Bowe's single season franchise record with 15 receiving touchdowns. Hill is also the NFL's sole leader in touchdown receptions after a short pass from Mahomes in the first quarter.
Here's a look at key takeaways from the Week 15 game:
Why the Chiefs won
Whether it was Patrick Mahomes' chest pass to Travis Kelce or the lateral from Mahomes that allowed Le'Veon Bell to walk in for another touchdown, Andy Reid was as creative as ever with his play-calling. The execution from Mahomes was nothing to scoff at either. It was not a perfect outing for the quarterback, who was responsible for two fumbles, including one lost, but he tossed three touchdowns. Wide receiver Demarcus Robinson provided a ray of hope for the Saints at the end of the first half when he fumbled a kickoff return in the shadows of his team's goal line. New Orleans linebacker Alex Anzalone had the chance to fall on it for a touchdown but it was not in the cards, and ended up being a safety.
Overall, it was a sound display in all areas for the defending Super Bowl champions. They are looking every bit the nightmare match-up that most expect.
Why the Saints lost
It was Drew Brees' first game back from injury and the team was without star wide receiver Michael Thomas. Brees completed less than 50% of his attempts and the skill players struggled to get open. The veteran quarterback did throw an interception -- New Orleans' only turnover of the game -- and that led to Kansas City's first score. Considering the challenges of the opponent's offense, the defense held up rather well. The ejection of Cam Jordan for throwing a punch certainly did not help the case.
Kansas City controlled the ball 41:14 compared to New Orleans' 18:46. The Saints were also flagged 10 times for a total loss of 93 yards.
Play of the game
With 8:23 remaining in the third quarter, Patrick Mahomes scrambled left and, with the sideline quickly approaching, found wide receiver Mecole Hardman in the back of the end zone for a go-ahead touchdown. As the play developed, it looked as though Mahomes had little room to operate and might even be throwing the ball away. As it turned out, he had mean intentions and Hardman obliged with a toe drag.
What's next
The Chiefs are 13-1 with two games remaining against the Falcons and Chargers, who have posted a combined 9-19 record this season. Kansas City essentially has a two game advantage over the Steelers for the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC, considering the tiebreaker.
New Orleans is 10-4 with two games remaining against the Falcons and Panthers. Those two teams have gone 10-18 in 2020. The Saints have fallen a game back of the Packers for the top seed in the NFC.
