The Kansas City Chiefs moved up four spots in ESPN’s NFL Power Rankings from No. 8 to No. 4. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw for 382 yards, which was the most he had amassed in nearly three years, with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Running back Kenneth Walker III was the workhorse once again with 24 carries for 117 yards and six catches for 61 yards.
It wasn’t just Mahomes that turned back the clock as tight end Travis Kelce caught nine passes for 101 yards and a touchdown. He didn’t have a 100-yard performance all of last season. Mahomes spread the ball around efficiently as five different players had four or more receptions.
Mahomes looked rusty throwing the ball in Week 1, and NBC analyst Cris Collinsworth pointed out Mahomes made an adjustment in his throwing mechanics. Collinsworth said during the telecast head coach Andy Reid told him that Mahomes was throwing the ball super hard in Week 1, and it appears Mahomes cleaned that up in a dominant performance.
Where the Chiefs Are Ranked in NFL Power Rankings
- ESPN.com: 4 (up from 8)
- SI.com: 3 (up from 5)
- USA TODAY: 4 (up from 6)
- Pro Football Talk: 4 (up from 8)
The defense looked shaky as Colts running back Jonathan Taylor ran for 92 yards and two touchdowns. The Colts posted 30 points despite losing their top wide receiver Alec Pierce in the first half with a heel injury. The Chiefs defense didn’t record a sack, but cornerback Kristian Fulton picked off Daniel Jones in the game.
The team will likely have to dial Walker back a bit next week as he has 56 touches in the first two games combined. Rookie running back Emmett Johnson, who has 10 rushes for 39 yards and four catches for 64 yards, will likely see more work when the Chiefs hit the road to face the Miami Dolphins (0-2) Sunday afternoon in Week 3.
