The Kansas City Chiefs moved up one spot in ESPN’s NFL Power Rankings from No. 3 to No. 2. Running back Kenneth Walker III continued his assault on opposing defenses with 22 rushes for a career-high 177 yards and two touchdowns. It was a close game, and he really took it over in the second half with a 76-yard run.
He leads the NFL with 537 rushing yards and 6.2 yards per carry. He has also scored six total touchdowns in four games. Walker had only five touchdowns with the Seattle Seahawks in 17 games last season. With 87 rushing attempts in four games, he’s on pace for 370 rushing attempts on the season. His career high is 228.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes was under pressure and hit often, but he went 15-for-30 for 225 yards and two touchdowns. They lost wide receiver Rashee Rice early in the game with a hamstring injury, and he didn’t return. Mahomes connected with receiver Tyquan Thornton, who had a career day with five catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns. It came at a price, though, as Thornton suffered a dislocated ankle that has put his season in jeopardy.
Where the Chiefs Are Ranked in NFL Power Rankings
- ESPN.com: 2 (up from 3)
- SI.com: 3 (no movement)
- USA TODAY: 3 (down from 2)
- Pro Football Talk: 2 (no movement)
For the third straight week, the defense failed to record a sack. They forced one turnover, but it was a tipped ball near the end of the game. First-round pick cornerback Mansoor Delane led the way with 10 total tackles. Linebacker Nick Bolton pitched in nine total tackles.
The Chiefs are on a bye in Week 5 before facing the Los Angeles Chargers at home Oct. 18.
