The NFL matchup between the New Orleans Saints and the Kansas City Chiefs always draws attention, combining two powerhouse franchises with contrasting styles of play. The New Orleans Saints vs Kansas City Chiefs match player stats from their latest face-off on October 7, 2024, showcase an exciting game filled with dynamic offensive drives, defensive grit, and some surprising moments that kept fans on edge until the final whistle. This comprehensive analysis dives deep into individual player performances, key statistics, and the strategic elements that defined the game — all to give you a complete understanding of how the Chiefs secured a 26–13 victory over the Saints at Arrowhead Stadium.
Game Overview: Chiefs Triumph 26–13
The Kansas City Chiefs maintained their dominant form under quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who once again orchestrated a calculated offensive performance despite not throwing a touchdown. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints, led by Derek Carr, struggled with consistency and injuries, preventing them from sustaining drives in critical moments.
The Chiefs’ balanced offense and resilient defense proved too strong for the Saints, who managed only 13 points despite flashes of brilliance from key players like Rashid Shaheed and Alvin Kamara.
- Final Score: Kansas City Chiefs 26, New Orleans Saints 13
- Location: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
- Date: October 7, 2024
- Attendance: 74,000+ fans
Kansas City Chiefs Player Stats and Highlights
When discussing the new orleans saints vs kansas city chiefs match player stats, it’s impossible not to highlight the Chiefs’ offensive consistency and defensive adaptability. Let’s break down their top contributors.
Patrick Mahomes – Quarterback
- Completions/Attempts: 28/39
- Passing Yards: 331
- Touchdowns: 0
- Interceptions: 1
Despite not scoring a touchdown, Mahomes showcased his ability to control the game’s tempo. His 331 passing yards reflected a methodical approach — spreading the ball across multiple receivers and exploiting mismatches in the Saints’ secondary.
Mahomes’ only blemish came from an interception in the end zone by Khalen Saunders, a former Chief turned Saints defensive tackle. Yet, even that didn’t derail the Chiefs’ rhythm as they continued to move the chains with precision.
Kareem Hunt – Running Back
- Carries: 27
- Rushing Yards: 102
- Touchdowns: 1
In this matchup, Hunt was instrumental in maintaining Kansas City’s balance. His 102-yard game on the ground helped the Chiefs control possession and keep the Saints’ defense on the field for extended drives. His red-zone rushing touchdown further extended the Chiefs’ lead, cementing his role as the offensive workhorse.
JuJu Smith-Schuster – Wide Receiver
- Receptions: 7
- Receiving Yards: 130
- Touchdowns: 0
Smith-Schuster provided a crucial deep threat throughout the game. His chemistry with Mahomes was evident, particularly on third downs, where he converted multiple first downs to keep drives alive. His ability to find soft spots in the Saints’ coverage made him one of the standout performers.
Travis Kelce – Tight End
- Receptions: 9
- Receiving Yards: 70
- Touchdowns: 0
As always, Travis Kelce was a key safety valve for Mahomes. Though he didn’t reach the end zone, his 9 receptions demonstrated his reliability. Kelce’s route running and blocking versatility opened lanes for Hunt while keeping defenders occupied.
Xavier Worthy – Wide Receiver/Rusher
- Rushing Attempts: 1
- Rushing Yards: 3
- Touchdowns: 1
Rookie wideout Xavier Worthy made his mark with a creative end-around play resulting in a rushing touchdown. His speed and agility added unpredictability to the Chiefs’ offensive playbook — a testament to Andy Reid’s knack for innovation.
Harrison Butker – Kicker
- Field Goals: 4/4
- Longest FG: 48 yards
Harrison Butker was a silent hero in this game. With four successful field goals, he contributed 12 of the Chiefs’ 26 points. His accuracy under pressure once again reinforced Kansas City’s special teams dominance.
New Orleans Saints Player Stats and Highlights
While the Saints didn’t come away with the win, the new orleans saints vs kansas city chiefs match player stats reveal some standout individual performances and glimpses of what could have been a closer contest.
Derek Carr – Quarterback
- Completions/Attempts: 18/28
- Passing Yards: 165
- Touchdowns: 2
- Interceptions: 1
Before exiting due to an oblique injury, Carr managed to deliver two touchdown passes, showing flashes of his leadership and experience. His connection with Rashid Shaheed proved effective early on, but inconsistency and injury derailed his rhythm as the game progressed.
Rashid Shaheed – Wide Receiver
- Receptions: 4
- Receiving Yards: 86
- Touchdowns: 1
Shaheed emerged as the Saints’ biggest offensive spark. His deep-ball touchdown catch showcased his speed and route precision, giving the Saints brief hope of mounting a comeback. His ability to stretch the field was one of the few challenges that consistently tested the Chiefs’ secondary.
Alvin Kamara – Running Back
- Carries: 6
- Rushing Yards: 40
- Receptions: 3
- Receiving Yards: 27
Kamara struggled to make a significant impact due to limited touches. The Chiefs’ defensive front effectively contained him, forcing the Saints to rely more on short passes and quick plays. Nonetheless, his versatility kept Kansas City guessing in several drives.
Khalen Saunders – Defensive Tackle
- Tackles: 5
- Interception Return: 37 yards
Saunders delivered one of the most memorable defensive plays of the night when he intercepted Mahomes in the end zone and returned it 37 yards. It was a poetic moment for the former Chief, now proving his worth in New Orleans colors.
Defensive Breakdown
Both teams demonstrated strong defensive presence throughout the game. The Chiefs’ defense was particularly effective in containing Alvin Kamara and limiting the Saints’ third-down conversions. Their pass rush, led by Chris Jones, consistently pressured Carr and forced early throws.
The Saints’ defense, on the other hand, displayed moments of brilliance, particularly in the red zone. However, the lack of sustained offensive drives put them back on the field too often, leading to fatigue late in the second half.
Statistical Comparison: Team Performance
| Category | Kansas City Chiefs | New Orleans Saints |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 412 | 278 |
| Passing Yards | 331 | 165 |
| Rushing Yards | 118 | 66 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Time of Possession | 33:48 | 26:12 |
| Third-Down Efficiency | 8/14 | 4/11 |
The Chiefs dominated in total and passing yards, while the Saints struggled to move the chains. Kansas City’s control of time of possession and ability to convert on third down proved crucial to their win.
Strategic Insights
Chiefs’ Offensive Balance
Head coach Andy Reid implemented a near-perfect balance between pass and run plays. By mixing screens, draws, and play-action, the Chiefs neutralized the Saints’ pass rush and opened up lanes for Hunt.
Saints’ Missed Opportunities
New Orleans had several drives stall near midfield due to penalties and failed conversions. Despite good defensive stops, they couldn’t capitalize offensively, especially after Carr’s injury limited their options.
Red Zone Efficiency
While both teams reached the red zone multiple times, the Chiefs’ efficiency in turning drives into points — even via field goals — made the difference. Their composure inside the 20-yard line reflected championship-level discipline.
Post-Game Reactions
After the match, Patrick Mahomes praised his offensive line for keeping him upright against a tough Saints front. Derek Carr, meanwhile, expressed frustration over his injury but promised a strong comeback. Analysts highlighted the Chiefs’ ability to win even when Mahomes doesn’t throw touchdowns — a mark of a complete team.
Conclusion: What the New Orleans Saints vs Kansas City Chiefs Match Player Stats Reveal
The new orleans saints vs kansas city chiefs match player stats reveal a story of efficiency, execution, and resilience. The Chiefs demonstrated why they remain among the NFL’s elite — blending strategic play-calling with stellar individual performances from Mahomes, Hunt, and Kelce.
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