Jets vs. Chiefs Recap: KC Pulls Away, Kelce 40+ and the Under Cash

The Chiefs beat the Jets 35-12 in Kansas City, but it was a two-point game at halftime. Jason Sanders kicked four field goals in the first half, from 23, 48, 49 and 54 yards, and New York trailed only 14-12 at the break. Kansas City then scored 21 unanswered points after halftime on short touchdown runs by Travis Kelce, Kenneth Walker III and Emmett Johnson. Two DARIMARKET plays cashed on this game.

What cashed

ALT: Travis Kelce 40+ receiving yards (-181 DraftKings): CASHED

• Our read: Kelce had cleared 40 receiving yards in six of seven games this season, averaging 58.6.
• What happened: Kelce caught 4 of 6 targets for 72 yards, with a long of 38, clearing the rung by 32.5. He also scored on a 1-yard run in the third quarter that put Kansas City up 21-12.
• Worth watching: Four catches got him there because he averaged 18.0 yards per catch. His target count was modest, so a low rung like this one is a better fit than a big yardage number.

ALT: Under 55.5 total points (-308 DraftKings): CASHED

• Our read: The main total was 48.5, and the two teams' last-ten games averaged 42.3 points. We took the alt at 55.5 for extra room.
• What happened: The game landed on 47 total points, 8.5 under. The Jets never reached the end zone, which kept the total in check even as Kansas City pulled away.
• Worth watching: New York was 0-1 in the red zone and 2-12 on third down. When the Jets offense settles for field goals, game totals involving them have a lower ceiling.

How the game played out

Kansas City outgained New York 391 to 229. Patrick Mahomes completed 23 of 31 passes for 242 yards and 2 touchdowns, both to Walker, and Walker added 102 rushing yards on 18 carries and a third score on the ground. The Chiefs were 4-4 in the red zone. Geno Smith threw for 165 yards with no touchdowns and took 5 sacks that cost 42 yards, and the Jets held the ball longer, 31:06 to 28:54, without much to show for it.

Trends to watch

• Kenneth Walker III was the engine for Kansas City with 18 carries and two receiving scores. His usage near the goal line is worth tracking for touchdown props.
• The Jets passing game struggled behind 5 sacks. Omar Cooper Jr. still drew 11 targets, which keeps him on the radar for reception props.
• Kansas City scored touchdowns on all four red-zone trips. That efficiency matters more for Chiefs team totals than raw yardage.

Stats are from the ESPN box score. Learn about game totals and player props. More at /nfl.