The Kansas City Chiefs moved up five spots in ESPN’s NFL Power Rankings from No. 13 to No. 8 in Week 2. The stars were out as the Chiefs had a dominant 31-10 victory over the Denver Broncos in Week 1 as quarterback Patrick Mahomes made a successful return from a torn ACL and LCL in his knee.
The Chiefs’ prized free-agent signing running back Kenneth Walker III exploded from the onset and didn’t decelerate the entire game. He finished with 23 rushes for 173 yards, three catches for 18 yards and two total touchdowns. He ran the ball seven times for 32 yards on the opening drive alone. Walker forced 14 missed tackles in Week 1, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. That was the most by a Chiefs running back since 2018.
Mahomes looked rusty throwing the ball at times, but he didn’t look limited at all just nine months removed from major knee surgery. He was 15-for-27 for 184 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He also picked up 23 yards on the ground and a touchdown. Tight end Travis Kelce had three catches for 71 yards and broke one for 59 yards, which nearly ended in the end zone.
Where the Steelers Are Ranked in NFL Power Rankings
- ESPN.com: 8
- SI.com: 5
- USA TODAY: 6
- Pro Football Talk: 8
The defense looked good despite missing some key parts. First-round pick cornerback Mansoor Delane picked off a pass to end Denver’s first drive, but he left with a shoulder injury and didn’t return. Second-round pick defensive end R Mason Thomas was disruptive off the edge and secured his first career sack.
The Chiefs remain home to host the Indianapolis Colts (0-1) on Sunday Night Football Sept. 20.
Kansas City Chiefs Essentials
- How much does Patrick Mahomes make?
- 5 best quarterbacks in Kansas City Chiefs history
- 5 best running backs in Chiefs history
- 5 best wide receivers in Chiefs history
- Arrowhead Stadium: Top 5 NFL home-field advantages
- NFL’s richest owners: Where does Hunt family rank?
