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USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Ed Easton Jr.

Chiefs stock watch: Which players impressed during Week 9 vs. Dolphins?

The Kansas City Chiefs took care of business in Frankfurt, Germany, seemingly carrying the essence of Arrowhead Stadium to the country. The 21-14 victory sealed the Chiefs seventh win entering the bye week.

The offense was scorching hot to start the game with a touchdown on the opening drive. Patrick Mahomes connected with several of his young receivers, while Travis Kelce couldn’t have the same dominating effect this week. Isiah Pacheco was consistent in the running game, while Jerick McKinnon scored on a pass from Mahomes.

On defense, the unit caused turnovers and scored a touchdown from a Tyreek Hill fumble. Bryan Cook returned it for a touchdown from another Trent McDuffie punchout and Mike Edwards lateral as the defensive line pressured Tua Tagovailoa. Keeping the Dolphins off balance all game and holding them to 14 points was a reminder of how important the group has been all season.

The Chiefs enter their bye week feeling good about themselves with a quality AFC victory that can help them late in the season for playoff positioning.

Here’s a look at how the stock is trending for some players after the Week 9 victory at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany:

Stock Up: Patrick Mahomes

Oct 22, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) signals to the sidelines against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The reigning MVP was feeling better physically on Sunday as he connected with multiple receivers for two touchdown passes, finishing 20 of 30 for 185 yards. He managed to extend drives with his legs and remained effective without a dominant performance from Travis Kelce.

Stock Up: Bryan Cook

Aug 26, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook (6) talks on the sidelines against the Cleveland Browns during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The awareness was on point for Cook as he made the most of a takeaway in the first half. After a fumble by Tyreek Hill caused by Trent McDuffie, Cook handled the lateral from Mike Edwards to take the ball back 59 yards for a touchdown.

Stock Up: Isiah Pacheco

Jan 1, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) dances after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

A solid, consistent force on the ground as Pacheco allowed the Chiefs offense balance throughout the game. He finished with 66 yards on 16 carries as he powered through the Dolphins defensive line.

Stock Up: Trent McDuffie

Dec 24, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (21) celebrates after an interception by safety Juan Thornhill (not pictured) during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

The intangibles by McDuffie are more reasons as to why he’s considered a Pro Bowl candidate this season. He punched the ball out, forcing a fumble on Tyreek Hill, leading to a touchdown, and his blitz from the cornerback spot led to a Tershawn Wharton sack.

Stock Down: Chris Jones

Oct 10, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) reacts to a play in the second half against the Las Vegas Raiders at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff -USA TODAY Sports

Jones has been playing at an All-Pro level, but he cost the defense some points when he committed an unnecessary roughness penalty to keep a second-half drive alive. The new set of downs led to an eventual Dolphins touchdown.

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