STOP!
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Here’s what happened in our simulation:
First quarter
The Kansas City Chiefs’ opening drive consisted of just four plays, culminating in a touchdown by Travis Kelce. Justin Watson made a critical 47-yard reception that shifted the momentum, followed by a couple of passes to Kelce that led to an easy score.
Derek Carr struggled to move the ball effectively. Although the Saints' offense managed to secure some first downs, their drives often faltered around midfield.
The Chiefs’ offense advanced down the field on their second drive, but the Saints' defense held firm. Despite a 10-play drive, they stalled inside the red zone, leading to an easy field goal from Harrison Butker.
End of the first quarter: Chiefs 10, Saints 0
Second quarter
The Saints finally put points on the board with a toss to Jamaal Williams.
On the Chiefs' next drive, Mahomes’ pass was intercepted by linebacker Demario Davis, and starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor had to be helped off the field due to an apparent injury on the same play.
The Chiefs' defense limited the Saints to a field goal by Blake Grupe, tying the game at 10.
With Rashee Rice sidelined, the Chiefs embraced the next-man-up mentality, and JuJu Smith-Schuster stepped up. He concluded the quarter with six receptions for 71 yards, scoring a touchdown just before halftime.
End of the second quarter: Chiefs 17, Saints 10
Third quarter
Mahomes threw his second interception of the game while in the red zone.
On the first play following the interception, the Saints connected on a 45-yard catch and run by Chris Olave. During the drive, they successfully converted a fourth-and-inches inside Chiefs territory.
Running back Alvin Kamara then rushed into the end zone to tie the game.
End of the third quarter: Chiefs 17, Saints 17
Fourth quarter
At this point in the game, the Chiefs offense had only managed two drives that resulted in touchdowns. Another promising drive stalled inside the 10-yard line when former Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay Jr. sacked Mahomes on third and goal, forcing the team to settle for a field goal.
Alvin Kamara then went into beast mode, breaking three tackles on a stunning 45-yard run to give the Saints the lead.
The Chiefs quickly regained the advantage. After a 42-yard play by Smith-Schuster, Mahomes connected with Justin Watson for a touchdown just six yards from the end zone.
However, George Karlaftis dropped a potential game-sealing interception, allowing the Saints to retake the lead with a touchdown from A.T. Perry.
With just over 30 seconds left, the Chiefs attempted a last-ditch hail mary but came up short, resulting in their loss.
Final score: Saints 31, Chiefs 27
Notable stats
Patrick Mahomes 29/37, 385 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
Derek Carr 27/36, 300 yards, 1 TD
Carson Steele 9 att, 11 yards
Alvin Kamara 7 att, 73 yards 2 TD, 7 rec, 41 yards
Travis Kelce 8 rec, 115 yards, 1 TD
JuJu Smith-Schuster 7 rec, 113 yards, 1 TD
Justin Watson 6 rec, 97 yards, 1 TD
Xavier Worthy 5 rec, 35 yards
A.T. Perry 7 rec, 81 yards, 1 TD
Chris Olave 1 rec, 45 yards
Trent McDuffie 7 total, 4 solo, 2 TFL
Drue Tranquill 8 total 1 solo
Chris Jones 1 Sack
Willie Gay 10 total, 3 solo, 2 TFL, 1 Sack
In Week 6, the Kansas City Chiefs are on a bye and so are we.