Kenneth Walker scored three touchdowns as the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the New York Jets 35-12 on Sunday, snapping a two-game losing streak. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw for 242 yards and two touchdowns despite playing through a right elbow injury sustained on a second-quarter strip-sack by Jets defensive lineman David Bailey that left his arm bent at an awkward angle. Mahomes flexed his elbow on the sideline, threw warmup passes, and returned to the game, though he received treatment from Chiefs trainer Julie Frymyer at halftime and planned additional testing afterward.
Walker finished with 143 yards from scrimmage, including two touchdown receptions and a rushing score, while the Chiefs defense sacked Jets quarterback Geno Smith five times and held New York out of the end zone. The Jets managed just 229 total yards and were credited with minus-9 yards in the third quarter, when Kansas City scored twice to turn a 14-12 halftime lead into a comfortable victory. Smith finished with 165 yards passing for the Jets, who have now lost four consecutive games.
The Jets were without star receiver Garrett Wilson due to a concussion and relied on short passes and runs by Braelon Allen and Breece Hall, who returned from a five-game absence due to a quadriceps injury. Kicker Jason Sanders made four first-half field goals but missed from 53 yards before halftime, as New York failed to reach the end zone.
Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker missed field goal attempts from both 56 yards and on a retry, raising questions about his roster status after Kansas City recently signed former All-Pro kicker Justin Tucker to the practice squad. Coach Andy Reid declined to address the kicking situation, saying he would not make any decisions immediately. The Chiefs improved to 6-2 while the Jets fell to 2-7.