The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs remained sizzling in Hotlanta vs. the Atlanta Falcons on “Sunday Evening Soccer.”
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs escaped Arrowhead Stadium in Week 2 with a win over AFC rival Cincinnati. Mired in controversy, the Bengals dedicated a cross interference penalty to place the Chiefs in place to later boot the game-winning area objective by means of the uprights.
The identical will be stated of their win in Week 3: With time ticking down within the fourth quarter, Kansas Metropolis’s protection got here by means of with a cease of Bijan Robinson on fourth-and-inches. That sealed the 22-17 win for the Chiefs, who transfer to 3-0 on the season.
Once more, a cross interference name was on the middle of the dialogue: Some felt that Falcons tight finish Kyle Pitts was interfered with by Chiefs security Bryan Cook dinner in the long run zone on a previous Falcons possession, however referees opted to swallow the whistle in that spot.
The Chiefs confronted a troublesome opponent within the Falcons. After the Falcons had been stifled in Week 1 by the Steelers, they bounced again with a last-minute win over the Eagles. Kirk Cousins did not look fairly himself within the matchup, however he drove the Falcons down the sphere after they wanted it most. He linked with Drake London for the tying rating, and Younghoe Koo knocked by means of the additional level to take the lead.
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The Falcons put themselves in place to make it attention-grabbing but once more in opposition to one other contender – however as an alternative got here up inches quick.
USA TODAY Sports activities supplied dwell updates, highlights and extra from the Week 3 “Sunday Evening Soccer” matchup between the Chiefs and Falcons beneath.
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Patrick Mahomes says he is OK after awkward kneel-down
Mahomes needed to waste a little bit of time whereas taking his closing kneel-downs to clinch the Chiefs’ victory, however catastrophe nearly struck when he appeared to awkwardly slide on one in every of them.
The excellent news: Mahomes remained within the sport for his closing knee and downplayed the slip after the sport.
“The turf bought me, man,” Mahomes stated. “I used to be attempting to take a knee and my foot bought caught. However I’m all good, I’m simply glad we bought the win.”
Chiefs maintain off Falcons to enhance to 3-0
The Falcons gave the Chiefs the whole lot they might deal with regardless of being down two beginning offensive linemen for your complete second-half, however each of Atlanta’s closing two offensive possessions led to turnovers on downs within the purple zone. That allowed Kansas Metropolis to safe a 22-17 win.
The Chiefs leaned on Rashee Rice, who completed the sport with a career-high 12 catches for 110 yards and a landing, within the passing sport whereas Carson Steele led the workforce on the bottom with Isiah Pacheco out. The undrafted rookie logged 72 yards on 17 carries.
Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce nonetheless do not seem like absolutely in sync to begin the season, however the Chiefs are undefeated regardless of this. And any concern that Mahomes tweaked his ankle kneeling down on the finish of regulation was quelled when the Chiefs quarterback stated he was wonderful after the competition.
Falcons stopped on fourth down… once more
The Falcons ran the ball on fourth-and-inches however inexplicably determined to not go up the center. They ran a slow-developing Bijan Robinson run off of left deal with, however linebacker Nick Bolton shot the hole and tackled him for a 3-yard loss.
The Chiefs can now run out the clock, as Atlanta has two timeouts remaining however simply 51 seconds.
Chiefs whistled for key penalties on drive
The Chiefs have already been referred to as for 3 penalties on the Falcons’ drive: an unlawful palms to the face name, a cross interference name and a horse-collar deal with name.
The cross interference name was questionable, at finest, however the horse-collar deal with was respectable. That places the Falcons contained in the 25-yard line and threatening to attain.
Patrick Mahomes cannot join with Xavier Worthy, forcing three-and-out
The Chiefs had a third-and-2 on the drive after the turnover on downs however Mahomes did not seem like on the identical web page as Worthy on the passing play. The rookie receiver minimize his route quick and whereas Mahomes thought he would proceed throughout the sphere.
The Chiefs punted, giving the Falcons an opportunity to mount a go-ahead drive with 2:26 left in regulation.
Falcons cannot convert on fourth-and-5 from Chiefs 6-yard line
Atlanta marched 83 yards on a 15-play drive however did not get into the end-zone to retake the lead. Kirk Cousins transformed a fourth-down earlier within the drive with a pleasant cross to Drake London, however his efforts to repeat that feat within the 10-yard line got here up quick.
The drive was not with out controversy, because it appeared Kyle Pitts was interfered with by security Bryan Cook dinner on third-and-5 from the 6-yard line. The officers swallowed their whistles regardless of Cook dinner failing to get his head round and having his arm round Pitts like he was his promenade date.
Matt Araiza makes nice catch on excessive snap, will get punt away
Araiza saved the Chiefs from catastrophe after they went three-and-out to open the fourth quarter. Lengthy snapper James Winchester despatched the ball excessive to the punter, who made a terrific leaping play to come back down with the ball.
Not solely did Araiza stop a security, however he additionally punted the ball all the way down to the Falcons’ 10-yard line. Atlanta can be backed up because it appears to mount a second consecutive fourth-quarter comeback.
Chiefs vs. Falcons rating: Falcons inch nearer with lengthy area objective
Koo tied his career-long area objective make by drilling a 54-yarder to chop Kansas Metropolis’s result in 22-17.
The Chiefs managed to cease the Falcons’ drive because of some unique pressures dialed up be defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. In the meantime, Kirk Cousins continued to indicate good chemistry with large receiver Darnell Mooney, who he hit for a 17-yard acquire to get Atlanta into area objective vary.
Finish of third quarter: Chiefs lead Falcons 22-14
Bijan Robinson closed the third quarter by making his first catch of the day, a 17-yard display screen that noticed him make a number of good cuts to get by means of the Kansas Metropolis protection and to the Atlanta 41-yard line.
The Chiefs took management of the sport within the third quarter, taking their first lead and increasing it to eight factors. They’re outgaining the Falcons 342-187 and have already received the time of possession battle for the sport; Kansas Metropolis has held the ball for 30:58 by means of three quarters.
Chiefs vs. Falcons rating: JuJu Smith-Schuster makes 13-yard TD catch
A play after Rashee Rice exited the sphere after taking a shot from A.J. Terrell, Smith-Schuster discovered himself changing the workforce’s prime receiver. He labored his means throughout the sphere from the slot and caught a fast cross from Mahomes. He ran it into the top zone with ease, barely being touched earlier than scoring.
Harrison Butker missed the additional level, so the Chiefs’ lead over the Falcons is simply 22-14. That can maintain it a one-possession sport.
Rashee Rice receiving yards as we speak: Chiefs WR goes over 100 in third quarter
Patrick Mahomes discovered Rice streaking throughout the center of the sphere for a 27-yard acquire on the Chiefs’ longest play of the night time. That put Rice over 100 receiving yards for the sport, as he has 11 catches for 113 yards and rating with greater than 1 / 4 to go.
Kirk Cousins sacked on third-and-2
Cousins could not discover a receiver whereas dealing with a three-man cross rush and tried to scramble for a primary down. Nostril deal with Mike Pennel tripped him up simply behind the road of scrimmage to sack the quarterback and drive the Falcons to punt.
Chiefs vs. Falcons rating: KC settles for area objective, takes lead
The Chiefs take their first lead of the sport because of a chip-shot, 21-yard area objective from Harrison Butker.
Kansas Metropolis went 67 yards on its first drive of the second half and noticed Travis Kelce make two catches for 27 yards after being restricted to 4 yards on two catches within the first half. Patrick Mahomes made a concerted effort to get him the ball, so maybe that can spark the veteran tight finish after a gradual begin to the season.
Kansas Metropolis leads 16-14.
Falcons damage updates: RT Kaleb McGary, C Drew Dalman dominated out
Atlanta goes to have to complete its Week 3 sport shorthanded on the offensive line. Each McGary (knee) and Dalman (ankle) had been dominated out for the remainder of the sport after struggling accidents within the first half.
Storm Norton changed McGary at proper deal with whereas Ryan Neuzil will snap to Kirk Cousins in Dalman’s stead.
Falcons vs. Chiefs rating: Atlanta leads 14-13 at halftime in tight sport
The Chiefs did not have sufficient time to go for a respectable landing drive on their closing possession, in order that they settled for a 44-yard area objective. Harrison Butker made it with ease to chop Atlanta’s result in one.
Each Patrick Mahomes and Kirk Cousins have precisely 128 yards within the first half, however they’ve earned that yardage in several methods. Mahomes has tried 27 passes whereas Cousins has thrown simply 11 occasions, so the Chiefs have been extra methodical whereas the Falcons have been extra explosive.
Kansas Metropolis held possession for 19:34 within the first half and ran 42 offensive performs in comparison with Atlanta’s 23. That would place the Chiefs to put on down the Falcons’ protection down the stretch, particularly if Atlanta’s offense struggles to dam in entrance of Cousins with middle Drew Dalman and proper deal with Kaleb McGary banged up.
Kirk Cousins throws interception to Chamarri Conner
Cousins, who’s taking part in behind an offensive line at present lacking two starters, was hit as he threw on the second play of Atlanta’s one-minute drill drive. Conner managed to get beneath the ball and intercept it. He then lateralled it to cornerback Jaylen Watson to get Kansas Metropolis into area objective vary.
The Chiefs have 32 seconds to attain earlier than halftime.
Chiefs go three-and-out after Rashee Rice drop
Patrick Mahomes and Rashee Rice could not join on a third-and-5, because the quarterback’s cross was barely behind the wide-out, who tipped it into the air. Jessie Bates practically picked it off, however he could not fairly corral it.
The Chiefs punted the ball again to the Falcons, who bought it on their very own 30-yard line and have 59 seconds to attain earlier than the half.
Chiefs strip-sack Kirk Cousins
Chiefs edge rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah bought blind-side strain on Cousins and compelled the ball out of his palms. The ball bounced out of Cousins’ palms to the far sidelines, the place Bijan Robinson illegally kicked it out of bounds.
That ends in a 5-yard penalty and a lack of down, setting the Falcons up with a third-and-18 with 1:53 left within the first half.
Kaleb McGary damage replace
The Falcons misplaced their proper deal with, Kaleb McGary, to a knee damage on their second landing drive. He took a success to his left knee whereas blocking and fell to the bottom, grabbing at it.
The workforce has dominated McGary questionable to return after he obtained therapy within the medical tent. He didn’t return to the sphere for Atlanta’s subsequent drive, which noticed middle Drew Dalman limp off the sphere after having his ankle rolled up.
Carson Steele vs. Samaje Perine stats
For these questioning how the Kansas Metropolis backfield would shake out after Isiah Pacheco’s damage, it looks as if it is going to be a fair break up between Steele and Perine.
Steele has six carries for 26 yards to this point within the first half. Perine has six carries for 25 yards. The one shock is that Steele has extra catches (one for 2 yards) than Perine, who has been held and not using a catch.
Chiefs vs. Falcons rating: Harrison Butker makes 53-yard area objective
The Falcons stopped Samaje Perine for a loss on a third-and-1 carry and reasonably than go for it on fourth-and-2, Andy Reid decides to aim a area objective.
Butker makes the 53-yard kick with ease to chop Atlanta’s result in 14-10.
Chiefs vs. Falcons rating: Bijan Robinson TD places Atlanta forward
Pitts makes one in every of his first large performs of the season, as he catches a lofted cross from Kirk Cousins and runs it all the way down to the 1-yard line. After Pitts’ 50-yard play, the Falcons ran the ball up the center with Bijan Robinson. He bulled by means of the road to provide the Falcons the lead again
Pitts had simply 46 complete receiving yards within the first two weeks of the season, mixed.
The Falcons lead the Chiefs 14-7 halfway by means of the second.
Chris Jones flagged for roughing Kirk Cousins
The Falcons bought a late shot in on Patrick Mahomes. Chris Jones returned the favor on the following drive, flinging Cousins down after the quarterback had already launched a deep shot to Drake London.
The cross fell incomplete, however Jones was whistled for a 15-yard penalty. That retains the Falcons’ drive alive.
Rashee Rice stats as we speak
Rice is off to a quick begin within the first half in opposition to the Falcons. He has racked up 5 catches, 54 yards and a landing on a team-high six targets.
Rice is constant to determine himself because the No. 1 goal for the Chiefs forward of Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy.
Falcons vs. Chiefs rating: Mahomes, Rice even it up with TD
Mahomes finds Rice large open coming throughout the center of the sphere and bought it into his prime receiver’s palms. Rice ran it the remainder of the best way into the end-zone to provide the Chiefs their first factors of the sport.
The Chiefs tacked on a Harrison Butker further level to tie issues at 7-7. They may now kick off from the 50-yard line after the Falcons had been whistled for a roughing the passer foul on the scoring play.
Finish of first quarter: Falcons punt to Chiefs after Justin Simmons INT
The Falcons earned one first-down after Justin Simmons’ interception of Patrick Mahomes, however they stalled out after that. Bradley Pinion punted it again to Kansas Metropolis, and the Chiefs will begin their second drive from their very own 20-yard line. The punt ended the primary quarter.
The Falcons lead the Chiefs 7-0 on the finish of 1.
Patrick Mahomes throws interception to Justin Simmons
Mahomes tried to hit tight finish Noah Grey in the long run zone on a second-and-8, however security Justin Simmons undercut the rout. He bought each palms on the ball and went down within the end-zone, incomes a touchback and setting the Falcons up on the 20-yard line.
Atlanta will look to construct on its 7-0 lead after Kansas Metropolis’s 17-play drive ended with out factors.
Simmons has now intercepted Mahomes in every of their final 4 matchups relationship again to Week 17 of the 2022 NFL season.
Isiah Pacheco damage replace: Chiefs RB undergoes surgical procedure
The Chiefs RB, who was injured within the Chiefs’ Week 2 matchup vs. the Bengals, underwent surgical procedure this week to restore his fractured leg. An MRI additionally revealed ligament harm to his ankle. A plate and screws had been inserted as a part of the surgical procedure.
The hope is that Pacheco can return to the sphere in 6-to-8 weeks.
Falcons lose problem, Chiefs convert fourth down on Rashee Rice sweep
The Chiefs opted to go for it on fourth-and-1 from Atlanta’s 39-yard line. Patrick Mahomes handed the ball to Rice on a large receiver sweep play and the second-year wide-out bought simply sufficient to maneuver the chains on a 1-yard carry.
The Falcons challenged the ruling on the sphere, but it surely was upheld. That saved Kansas Metropolis’s first drive of the sport alive.
Kirk Cousins contract particulars
The Falcons’ new quarterback signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the workforce on March 11 of this yr. It included a $50 million signing bonus and $100 million assured.
Cousins’ contract’s common annual worth of $45 million places him in a tie with the Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes for the twelfth highest-paid quarterback within the NFL this yr by AAV.
Kirk Cousins passer score on opening drive
Cousins began the sport by finishing 5 of 5 passes for 66 yards and a landing. That gave him an ideal passer score of 158.3 on the primary drive and continued the good kind he confirmed throughout his game-winning drive that ended the Falcons vs. Eagles sport on “Monday Evening Soccer” final week.
Cousins was particularly sharp on play motion, finishing 3 of three passes for 37 yards. He has lengthy been one of many NFL’s finest passers off play fakes; that’s persevering with in Atlanta.
Chiefs vs. Falcons rating: Kirk Cousins, Drake London join for TD
Cousins and the Falcons marched 70 yards on the Chiefs with ease. The drive culminated in a 14-yard strike from Cousins to London on a play the place Kansas Metropolis’s protection merely misplaced monitor of London.
The additional level is sweet, and the Falcons lead 7-0.
What time is Chiefs at Falcons?
- Chiefs at Falcons will kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
The best way to watch Falcons vs. Chiefs
The sport will air on NBC and Peacock. The sport can also be accessible to stream on Fubo.
Mike Tirico (play-by-play) and Cris Collinsworth (analyst) can be on the decision, with Melissa Stark including studies from the sphere for NBC.
Falcons vs. Chiefs predictions, picks
Here is how the USA TODAY Sports activities employees feels the “Sunday Evening Soccer” matchup will shake out:
- Lorenzo Reyes: Chiefs 25, Falcons 23
- Tyler Dragon: Chiefs 26, Falcons 20
- Richard Morin: Falcons 24, Chiefs 21
- Jordan Mendoza: Chiefs 23, Falcons 19
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Who’s the highest-paid NFL participant?
The NFL’s prime 18 gamers in common annual wage are all quarterbacks, based on OverTheCap.com. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott grew to become the league’s highest-paid participant on Sunday morning, agreeing to a four-year, $240 million deal. Minnesota Vikings large receiver Justin Jefferson is the primary non-quarterback on the highest-paid record after hanging a four-year, $140 million contract extension this offseason.
Falcons vs. Chiefs odds, moneyline, over/beneath
Kansas Metropolis is favored to begin the season with a win, based on the BetMGM NFL odds. Trying to wager? Take a look at the finest cell sports activities betting apps providing NFL betting promos in 2024 together with the ESPN BET app and Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.
Odds as of Friday
- Unfold: Chiefs (-3)
- Moneyline: Chiefs (-160); Falcons (+135)
- Over/beneath: 46.5
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Falcons’ Jessie Bates says Chiefs trash discuss might embody Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift
Atlanta Falcons security Jessie Bates isn’t against speaking trash to Kansas Metropolis Chiefs tight finish Travis Kelce about his well-known pop star girlfriend, Taylor Swift.
Bates was a visitor on ‘The Pacman Jones Present’ podcast on Friday, and the two-time NFL All-Professional stated Taylor Swift smack discuss isn’t out of bounds.
“I do not hearken to a lot Taylor Swift, however clearly you bought to have respect for what she’s completed in her profession. After which with Travis [Kelce], you bought to have some kind of respect with him,” Bates stated with a smile. “However as soon as that clock ticks and we’re in between these traces. I see purple generally and may say some loopy stuff to him, it might contain Taylor, in might not. It is simply a part of the sport, speaking your little smack.”
Chiefs RB depth chart after Isiah Pacheco damage
The Chiefs now have three wholesome operating backs on their 53-man roster after Pacheco’s damage. They’re:
Perine is an eight-year veteran whom the Chiefs signed earlier than the season after his launch from the Denver Broncos. Perine has developed into a high quality third-down again, so he figures to see loads of motion in pass-catching conditions and as a do-it-all risk out of the backfield.
Chiefs signal Kareem Hunt to follow squad
The Chiefs introduced veteran operating again Kareem Hunt in for a go to on Tuesday. Evidently, they appreciated what they noticed, as Kansas Metropolis signed the 29-year-old Hunt to its follow squad.
Kansas Metropolis initially chosen Hunt within the third spherical of the 2017 NFL draft, and he led the NFL in speeding yards throughout his rookie season with 1,327. It seemed like he was going to be a star for the Chiefs, however he was launched in the course of the 2018 season after a video of him throwing a lady to the bottom and kicking her emerged.
Falcons vs. Chiefs climate replace
The Falcons are opening the roof for his or her Week 3 sport in opposition to the Chiefs. It is easy to grasp why, as it is going to be a good looking night time in Atlanta, with a excessive of 86 levels at kickoff and a low of 77 at midnight.
Winds will max out at 5 mph whereas probabilities of precipitation are at lower than 1 % for the sport, based on the Climate Channel.
Kirk Cousins report in primetime video games
Kirk Cousins’ primetime report coming into “Sunday Evening Soccer” is 13-20 total.
Cousins helped course appropriate the narrative surrounding him a bit with an enormous, last-minute win over the Eagles in Week 2
The final time we noticed Cousins play on “Sunday Evening Soccer” was in Week 8 of the 2021 season, which led to a loss to the Cowboys.
Cris Collinsworth staying at NBC, indicators contract extension
The No. 1 workforce on NBC’s Sunday night time soccer will keep intact, at the least for the foreseeable future.
Based on a report from The Athletic, NBC Sports activities is near securing a brand new four-year contract extension with prime analyst Cris Collinsworth. The extension will maintain him with the community by means of the 2029-30 season. His present contract runs by means of the 2026 season.
NBC is scheduled to broadcast two extra Tremendous Bowls within the subsequent six years, together with Tremendous Bowl 60 in 2026 and Tremendous Bowl 64 in 2030.
Collinsworth, 65, who has received seven Emmy Awards for Excellent Sports activities Studio Analyst, makes about $12.5 million a yr and has teamed up with Mike Tirico to name video games.
Chiefs inactives vs. the Falcons
There are not any surprises on the Chiefs aspect of the inactive record heading into “Sunday Evening Soccer.”
- OL C.J. Hanson
- T Ethan Driskell
- DT Marlon Tuipulotu
- DE Chameron Thomas
Falcons inactives vs. Chiefs
After working towards with damage designation earlier within the week, operating again Tyler Allgeier practiced absolutely on Friday and with no damage designation, and can be lively tonight.
Here is the record of inactives for tonight’s sport:
- RB Jase McClellan
- DL Brandon Dorlus
- OL Jovaughn Gwyn
- T Brandon Parker
- DL Ruke Orhorhoro
AFC West standings
The Chiefs can take sole possession of first place within the AFC West if they’ll beat the Falcons in Week 3. The Chargers misplaced their Week 3 matchup in opposition to the Steelers after beginning the season 2-0 whereas the Raiders and Broncos now each have two losses.
Chiefs 2-0
Chargers 2-1
Raiders 1-2
Broncos 1-2
NFC South standings
With a win, Atlanta can create a three-way tie atop the division. The Saints and Buccaneers each misplaced after 2-0 begins to the season, so the Falcons might create chaos within the South with an upset over the Chiefs.
Saints 2-1
Buccaneers 2-1
Falcons 1-1
Panthers 1-2
Will Taylor Swift be on the Chiefs sport?
The chance of Taylor Swift attending the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs sport in opposition to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night time to assist her boyfriend Travis Kelce is wanting good.
The singer is on a two-month break from her Eras Tour and would not have a efficiency till Oct. 18 in Miami. – Bryan West
Chiefs gamers carrying shirts honoring Isiah Pacheco
With operating again Isiah Pacheco sidelined for the foreseeable future with a leg damage, some Chiefs gamers are carrying shirts honoring their injured teammate.
Patrick Mahomes birthday
Mahomes not too long ago celebrated his birthday. He was born on Sept. 17, 1995. Sunday’s sport can be his first since turning 29, so he’ll look to usher within the closing yr of his 20s with a victory.
Samuel L. Jackson in attendance for Falcons vs. Chiefs
Samuel L. Jackson has solely two phrases for these tuning into the “Sunday Evening Soccer” matchup, and so they’re not those you are accustomed to listening to from him: