The matchup between the New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs was one of the most exciting games of the 2024 NFL season. Fans were eager to see how the Saints’ defense would handle Patrick Mahomes and his powerful offense. The game turned into a mix of strong plays, missed chances, and big moments that kept everyone watching until the final whistle.
In this article, we’ll go through the key player stats, team numbers, and game-changing plays that shaped this Monday night clash. From Mahomes’ precision passing to Derek Carr’s injury and Chris Jones’ defensive power, let’s look closely at how this game unfolded.
Final Score and Quick Recap
The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the New Orleans Saints with a final score of 26–13 on October 7, 2024, at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs continued their undefeated streak, improving to 5–0, while the Saints dropped to 2–3 after their third straight loss.
Kansas City dominated in nearly every area — total yards, time of possession, and number of plays. The Chiefs finished with 460 total yards compared to the Saints’ 220, and they controlled the ball for nearly 40 minutes of game time. Despite that, red zone struggles kept the game closer than expected.
The Saints had their moments — especially a thrilling interception by Khalen Saunders and a deep touchdown by Rashid Shaheed — but they couldn’t keep up with Mahomes and his crew for four quarters.
Saints vs Chiefs: Team Stats Comparison
Sometimes the numbers tell the full story, and in this game, they sure did.
The Chiefs ran 80 plays, more than 50% higher than the Saints’ 51 plays. They also led in first downs (28 to 14) and kept drives alive longer with better third-down efficiency. Kansas City’s balanced offense — 321 passing yards and 139 rushing yards — showed how complete their game plan was.
Meanwhile, the Saints had trouble finding any rhythm. They ended the game with only 174 passing yards and 46 rushing yards, which wasn’t enough to stay competitive. The time-of-possession gap — nearly 40 minutes for Kansas City versus just 20 for New Orleans — showed how long the Saints’ defense stayed on the field.
Patrick Mahomes’ Full Game Stats
Patrick Mahomes was once again the main attraction. Even without throwing a touchdown, he still played like a true leader.
He completed 28 of 39 passes for 331 yards, averaging 7.8 yards per throw. He also rushed for 22 yards on six carries, using his legs to escape pressure and extend drives. His only interception came from a tipped pass at the goal line, a rare mistake in an otherwise controlled performance.
Mahomes didn’t need to be flashy this time. Instead, he was smart, patient, and precise. He spread the ball to eight different receivers, keeping the Saints guessing on every drive. His calmness under pressure and ability to manage the clock helped the Chiefs dominate possession throughout the game.
Kareem Hunt and the Chiefs’ Ground Game
The return of Kareem Hunt gave Kansas City fans something to cheer about. After years away, he looked like his old self again. Hunt carried the ball 27 times for 102 yards and scored a 5-yard touchdown in the first quarter.
He wasn’t breaking huge runs, but he was consistent — always gaining a few yards and keeping the offense on schedule. His average of 3.8 yards per carry helped the Chiefs control the pace. By the fourth quarter, the Saints’ defense looked exhausted.
When Hunt scored, he threw up a heart gesture to the fans — a thank-you for welcoming him back. It was an emotional moment and a reminder of how much balance the Chiefs can have when their run game is strong.
Saints’ Passing Stats: Carr’s Effort and Injury
For the Saints, it was a tough night for quarterback Derek Carr. He started strong, completing 18 of 28 passes for 165 yards and throwing two touchdowns before leaving the game in the fourth quarter with an oblique injury.
Carr tried to lead a comeback after Khalen Saunders’ interception gave the Saints hope, but he got hit hard on a fourth-down play and couldn’t continue. That moment changed the game completely. His replacement, Jake Haener, finished with just 2 completions on 7 attempts, showing how much the Saints rely on Carr’s experience.
Carr’s two scoring passes — one deep strike to Rashid Shaheed and another short one to Foster Moreau — showed flashes of what the Saints’ offense could be. But injuries and constant pressure from the Chiefs’ defense made it impossible for him to sustain drives.
Alvin Kamara’s Tough Night
Star running back Alvin Kamara had one of his most frustrating games of the season. The Chiefs’ defensive line completely shut him down. Kamara rushed 11 times for only 26 yards, averaging just 2.4 yards per carry. He couldn’t find open lanes, and defenders were often in the backfield before he could even move forward.
He did a little better in the passing game, catching six passes for 40 yards, but even then, Kansas City kept him from making any big plays. The Chiefs’ front seven — led by Chris Jones and Nick Bolton — gave him no space to create.
For a player known for explosive runs and quick cuts, this game was a reminder that even the best need strong blocking to shine. Without room to run, Kamara’s impact was limited, and the Saints’ offense lost one of its best weapons.
Receiving Leaders and Big Plays
The air attack told two very different stories for each team.
On the Chiefs’ side, JuJu Smith-Schuster finally broke through. He caught seven passes for 130 yards, including a 50-yard catch that set up a key score. It was his first 100-yard game in nearly two years. Travis Kelce was his usual reliable self, catching nine passes for 70 yards, often converting tough third downs.
For the Saints, wide receiver Rashid Shaheed was the highlight. He caught four passes for 86 yards, including a beautiful 43-yard touchdown that gave fans a moment of hope. Tight end Foster Moreau also scored a short touchdown, while Chris Olave, the team’s top receiver, was held to just two catches for 10 yards.
It was clear that the Chiefs’ defense focused on taking Olave out of the game — and it worked. Without him making plays, the Saints struggled to stretch the field or threaten deep.
Chiefs’ Defensive Power: Chris Jones Shines
While Patrick Mahomes ran the offense, Chris Jones ran the defense. He didn’t need big tackle numbers to make a big impact. In fact, he finished with just 2 tackles, but that’s not the whole story. According to Pro Football Focus, Jones had 9 quarterback pressures — the most of any defensive lineman that week.
He kept collapsing the pocket, pushing Saints linemen backward on almost every play. Carr had no time to throw, and backup Haener looked even more uncomfortable. Jones was constantly in their faces, forcing quick throws and bad decisions. His presence made it hard for the Saints to build any rhythm on offense.
Saints’ Defensive Highlights and Saunders’ INT
The Saints’ defense tried to fight back. Their best moment came when Khalen Saunders, a 324-pound defensive tackle, made one of the wildest plays of the night. He picked off Mahomes at the goal line and returned it 37 yards, reaching nearly 16 mph on the run. It was a rare and exciting moment that gave the Saints a chance.
Linebacker Demario Davis led the team with 11 tackles, and Anfernee Orji followed with 10. They made some good stops, but it was hard to keep up with the Chiefs’ constant pressure. Bryan Bresee and Chase Young each had a sack, but overall, the Saints only managed 2 sacks on Mahomes and just 9 total pressures out of 41 dropbacks — not enough to slow him down for long.
Red Zone Performance and Scoring Efficiency
Even though the Chiefs won, they struggled in one key area — the red zone. They had 7 trips inside the 20-yard line but only scored 2 touchdowns. The rest of the time, they had to settle for four field goals. That kind of red zone struggle could cost them in future games.
The Saints, on the other hand, only made it into the red zone once — and they scored a touchdown. But getting there just once in the entire game shows how little control they had. It also highlights how strong the Chiefs’ defense was at keeping them out.
Special Teams and Missed Chances
Special teams didn’t decide the game, but they played a quiet role behind the scenes. Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker had a solid night, hitting 4 field goals and both extra points. That gave Kansas City 14 points without needing to score touchdowns every time.
For the Saints, Blake Grupe missed an extra point after a touchdown that could’ve made the game closer. It stayed 16–13 instead of 16–14, and that mattered when the Chiefs scored again on the next drive. Little moments like that can make a big difference in close games.
Injuries That Changed the Game
The biggest injury of the game was Derek Carr’s oblique injury. It happened in the fourth quarter just as the Saints were starting to build momentum. Without him, the Saints had to turn to Jake Haener, who wasn’t ready for the pressure. He completed just 2 of 7 passes.
Other Saints players, like Will Harris and Lucas Patrick, also left the game with injuries. Kansas City stayed mostly healthy, which gave them even more control on both sides of the ball. Carr’s injury didn’t just change the game — it could affect the Saints’ season going forward.
What the Stats Reveal About Both Teams
This game showed two teams going in different directions. The Kansas City Chiefs looked like a playoff-ready team. They didn’t need to be perfect to win. They ran the ball well, passed smartly, and played strong defense. Even with red zone issues, they controlled the game.
The Saints, however, showed signs of real struggle. Their offense was slow. Their line couldn’t protect the quarterback. Their run game didn’t help. And when Carr went down, they had no answers. These match player stats tell a clear story — the Saints have a lot to fix if they want to bounce back this season.
Bottom-Line
The New Orleans Saints vs Kansas City Chiefs match player stats show just how dominant the Chiefs were. They had more yards, more first downs, more time with the ball, and more ways to win. Mahomes didn’t even need a touchdown pass to take control of the game. Hunt added strength on the ground, while Chris Jones and the defense did their job up front.
For the Saints, there were a few bright spots like Shaheed’s big catch and Saunders’ interception. But overall, it was a tough night. Carr’s injury, Kamara’s struggles, and lack of protection all played a part in the loss.
As both teams move ahead in the 2024 season, the Chiefs look like serious contenders once again. The Saints? They’ll need to regroup fast — especially on offense — if they want to turn things around.
Whether you’re a fan, a fantasy football player, or just love the game, these match player stats help you understand not just who won, but how they won. And that’s what makes football so fun to follow.
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