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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Ed Easton Jr.

Chiefs stock watch: Which players impressed during Week 14 vs. Bills?

The home crowd was ready to support the Kansas City Chiefs in another battle with the Buffalo Bills at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 14. Penalties and mistakes took the air out of their sails as the Chiefs fell short for a second consecutive week.

Mahomes did his best while under pressure from the Bills’ pass rush but wasn’t helped much by more drops from his receivers. He suffered a tip-ball interception on the opening drive. Rashee Rice added another touchdown reception as he separated himself as a primary target in the receivers room. Kelce’s effort was significant, as usual, and a returning Jeruck McKinnon found the endzone in the first half.

Kansas City’s defense held tough as they faced the high-powered offense of the Bills in check throughout the game. George Karlaftis, Charles Omenihu, Mike Danna, and Trent McDuffie got to Allen for shares of a sack, while Mike Edwards and a returning Nick Bolton led the team in tackles.

The Chiefs lose their second straight game as they maintain their slim lead in the AFC West and are falling out of contention for a potential first-round bye in the postseason.

Here’s a look at how the stock is trending for some players after the Week 14 loss at Arrowhead Stadium:

Stock Up: George Karlaftis

Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis (56) rushes on defense during an NFL pre-season football game against the Washington Commanders Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Peter Aiken)

It was another strong outing for the Chiefs’ defensive lineman as he effectively rushed Allen throughout the game, securing a sack. He had a potential second sack nullified late in the fourth quarter due to a penalty.

Stock Up: Travis Kelce

Sep 24, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) on field after the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Kelce hauled six catches for 83 yards and dominated on average yards per catch with an impressive 13.8. He made an incredible late-game lateral to Kadarius Toney that was wiped away due to an offsides penalty that would’ve given the Chiefs the lead.

Stock Up: Chamarri Conner

Nov 3, 2023; Frankfurt, Germany; Kansas City Chiefs safety Chamarri Conner (27) participates in special teams drills at DFB Campus. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Conner secured his first career interception shortly after entering the game in relief of a shaken-up Justin Reid. The immediate production comes only days after being praised publicly by defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

Stock Down: Jaylen Watson

Jan 29, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson (35) celebrates against the Cincinnati Bengals after an interception during the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

A devastating mistake from Watson penalized late in the fourth quarter extended the Bills’ drive, severely hurting the Chiefs’ offense’s chances of getting the ball back with enough time to respond after the Bills’ go-ahead field goal.

Stock Down: Kadarius Toney

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 01: Kadarius Toney #19 of the Kansas City Chiefs fumbles the ball while defended by Alex Singleton #49 of the Denver Broncos during the second quarter at Arrowhead Stadium on January 01, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)

The latest loss was an example of the team’s issues in the receivers room regarding drops and miscues. Toney had more drops and a crushing offsides penalty on the team’s final drive that nullified an incredible touchdown lateral from Kelce.

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