KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A few thoughts on the Kansas City Chiefs' 24-20 win over the Seattle Seahawks at Arrowhead Stadium:
What it means: In winning their fifth straight game, the Chiefs improved to 7-3 and moved into a tie for first place in the AFC West with the Denver Broncos. The Broncos come to Arrowhead for a Sunday night game against the Chiefs on Nov. 30.
Stock watch: Tight end Travis Kelce caught three passes but also lost a fumble late in the first half that the Seahawks converted into a field goal. The offensive line had one of its best games of the season. The Chiefs rushed for well over 100 yards and Alex Smith wasn’t sacked. After having a big day last week against Buffalo, cornerback Ron Parker was a weak link. His penalty for hands to the face on a third down play allowed the Seahawks to continue what would eventually be a touchdown drive. Doug Baldwin beat Parker for the touchdown catch.
Little production from wide receivers, again: The Chiefs not only remain the only NFL team without a touchdown catch from a wide receiver -- they also got catches from only one wideout Sunday. Dwayne Bowe had two catches for 18 yards, but otherwise, their wide receivers were shut out. The Chiefs were 3-for-4 scoring touchdowns in the red zone (three rushing TDs). The Chiefs’ ability to run the ball in the red zone mutes the fact that their wide receivers don't have a touchdown catch. On the plus side, wide receiver Frankie Hammond had a nice block on one of Jamaal Charles’ touchdown runs and Bowe had a key block on a long Charles run in the fourth quarter.
Game ball: Charles lost a fumble in the third quarter but otherwise had a huge game, rushing 20 times for 159 yards and two touchdowns.
What's next: The Chiefs have their only Thursday night game of the season this week. They’ll take on the Raiders in Oakland in their first prime-time game since beating the New England Patriots on the final Monday night in September.
