The Kansas City Chiefs took care of business in Frankfurt, Germany, seemingly carrying the essence of Arrowhead Stadium to the country. The 21-14 victory sealed the Chiefs seventh win entering the bye week.
The offense was scorching hot to start the game with a touchdown on the opening drive. Patrick Mahomes connected with several of his young receivers, while Travis Kelce couldn’t have the same dominating effect this week. Isiah Pacheco was consistent in the running game, while Jerick McKinnon scored on a pass from Mahomes.
On defense, the unit caused turnovers and scored a touchdown from a Tyreek Hill fumble. Bryan Cook returned it for a touchdown from another Trent McDuffie punchout and Mike Edwards lateral as the defensive line pressured Tua Tagovailoa. Keeping the Dolphins off balance all game and holding them to 14 points was a reminder of how important the group has been all season.
The Chiefs enter their bye week feeling good about themselves with a quality AFC victory that can help them late in the season for playoff positioning.
Here’s a look at how the stock is trending for some players after the Week 9 victory at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany:
Stock Up: Patrick Mahomes
The reigning MVP was feeling better physically on Sunday as he connected with multiple receivers for two touchdown passes, finishing 20 of 30 for 185 yards. He managed to extend drives with his legs and remained effective without a dominant performance from Travis Kelce.
Stock Up: Bryan Cook
The awareness was on point for Cook as he made the most of a takeaway in the first half. After a fumble by Tyreek Hill caused by Trent McDuffie, Cook handled the lateral from Mike Edwards to take the ball back 59 yards for a touchdown.
Stock Up: Isiah Pacheco
A solid, consistent force on the ground as Pacheco allowed the Chiefs offense balance throughout the game. He finished with 66 yards on 16 carries as he powered through the Dolphins defensive line.
Stock Up: Trent McDuffie
The intangibles by McDuffie are more reasons as to why he’s considered a Pro Bowl candidate this season. He punched the ball out, forcing a fumble on Tyreek Hill, leading to a touchdown, and his blitz from the cornerback spot led to a Tershawn Wharton sack.
Stock Down: Chris Jones
Jones has been playing at an All-Pro level, but he cost the defense some points when he committed an unnecessary roughness penalty to keep a second-half drive alive. The new set of downs led to an eventual Dolphins touchdown.
