New Orleans Saints vs Kansas City Chiefs Match Player Stats: The New Orleans Saints vs Kansas City Chiefs matchup on October 7, 2024, delivered everything NFL fans expected—high-level quarterback play, explosive receiving numbers, and a dominant performance from a Kansas City team that remains unbeaten. With the Chiefs defeating the Saints 26–13, this game added another chapter to Kansas City’s perfect start to the season while exposing major weaknesses in New Orleans’ offensive consistency.

Below is the complete match player stats, performance breakdowns, and key takeaways from the game.

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1. Final Score & Game Overview

The final score of Kansas City Chiefs 26 – New Orleans Saints 13 highlighted the difference in offensive rhythm and defensive execution between the two teams.

Key Game Notes:

• Date: October 7, 2024

• Status: Game Completed

• Location: (as reported) – NFL regular-season matchup

• Chiefs Record: Improves to 5-0

• Saints Record: Falls to 2-3

The Chiefs displayed a balanced, well-controlled offense behind Patrick Mahomes and their improved rushing attack, while the Saints struggled to move the ball consistently outside of a few strong red-zone moments.

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2. Quarterback Performance: Mahomes vs Carr

Quarterback play defined the pace and outcome of the matchup—one QB accumulated massive yardage, while the other was more efficient in the red zone.

Patrick Mahomes (KC)

• 28-of-39 passing

• 331 yards

• 0 touchdowns

• 1 interception

Even without throwing a touchdown, Mahomes controlled the field with surgical precision, extending drives and keeping the Saints defense on its heels. His ability to generate big plays between the 20s continued to set up scoring opportunities.

Derek Carr (NO)

• 18-of-24 passing

• 165 yards

• 2 touchdowns

• 1 interception

Carr was highly efficient, completing 75% of his passes and delivering two red-zone touchdowns. However, New Orleans’ offense lacked explosive plays and failed to match Kansas City’s sustained drives.

Verdict:
Mahomes’ yardage advantage dictated the game’s tempo, while Carr’s efficiency wasn’t enough to overcome offensive stagnation.

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3. Rushing Leaders & Ground Game Impact

The biggest difference-maker in this matchup came from the running game—specifically the performance of Kareem Hunt, who carried the Chiefs’ offense when needed.

Kareem Hunt (KC)

• 27 carries

• 102 yards

• 1 touchdown

Hunt’s power running, clock management, and consistent chunk gains allowed Kansas City to maintain control late in the game. His touchdown early in the second half widened the Chiefs’ lead and forced the Saints to play catch-up.

Alvin Kamara (NO)

• 11 carries

• 26 yards

Kamara was essentially shut down, averaging just over 2 yards per carry. Without a functioning ground game, the Saints relied heavily on short passing plays, limiting their ability to stretch the field.

Verdict:
Kansas City dominated the rushing battle, giving their offense balance while New Orleans struggled to establish any rhythm on the ground.

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4. Receiving Leaders: Big Plays That Shifted Momentum

This game showcased several standout receiving performances—especially from Kansas City’s playmakers.

Juju Smith-Schuster (KC)

• 7 receptions

• 130 yards

Juju delivered one of his strongest performances of the season, repeatedly converting third downs and helping stretch the Saints secondary. His mix of physicality and route precision made him Mahomes’ most reliable target of the night.

Rashid Shaheed (NO)

• 4 receptions

• 86 yards

• 1 touchdown

Shaheed provided the Saints’ biggest explosive plays, including a key touchdown grab that kept New Orleans competitive early. His speed and separation ability were bright spots in an otherwise inconsistent offense.

Additional KC Receiving Notes:

• Travis Kelce continued his undefeated-season trend, contributing chain-moving catches, though not topping the stat sheet.

• Kansas City’s diverse passing attack prevented New Orleans from focusing on any single player.

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5. Defensive Highlights & Key Turnovers

Both teams produced timely defensive plays—but Kansas City’s pressure and containment proved more impactful.

Chiefs Defense

• Forced 1 interception from Derek Carr

• Shut down Alvin Kamara

• Allowed no rushing touchdowns

• Delivered critical second-half stops that sealed the win

Kansas City’s secondary limited New Orleans’ deep threats, while the front seven won the battle at the line of scrimmage.

Saints Defense

• Intercepted Mahomes once

• Generated moderate pressure

• Struggled to stop mid-range passing plays

• Couldn’t contain Kareem Hunt’s inside runs

New Orleans showed flashes of strong defensive play, but not enough to offset Kansas City’s offensive tempo.

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6. What the Result Means for Both Teams Going Forward

Kansas City Chiefs (5-0)

This win reinforces that the Chiefs are once again a top contender for the AFC crown. Their undefeated start is supported by:

• A dominant rushing game

• Efficient passing attack

• Resilient defense

• Strong coaching and adjustments

Their next test comes against the San Francisco 49ers, a matchup that could preview postseason intensity.

New Orleans Saints (2-3)

The Saints face several questions moving forward:

• Can they establish a stable running game?

• Will Derek Carr consistently push the ball downfield?

• Can the defense limit big plays against top-tier offenses?

While not a disastrous loss, the performance exposed structural issues the Saints must fix to stay competitive in the NFC.

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Final Thoughts

New Orleans Saints vs Kansas City Chiefs Match Player Stats: The Kansas City Chiefs vs New Orleans Saints matchup showcased two teams on very different trajectories. With Mahomes’ 331 yards, Hunt’s 102-yard touchdown performance, and Juju’s explosive 130-yard receiving day, the Chiefs proved once again why they remain one of the NFL’s elite teams.

Meanwhile, the Saints showed flashes of promise—particularly from Derek Carr and Rashid Shaheed—but consistency remains their biggest challenge.