In a game that felt more like a grind than a dynamic showcase, the Kansas City Chiefs snagged their first victory of the season, defeating the New York Giants 22-9 on Sunday Night Football.

After a shaky start, leading just 9-6 at halftime, the Chiefs ignited their offense in the third quarter. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Tyquan Thornton, marking Thornton’s second touchdown in as many weeks. It appears he’s finally settled into a groove with Kansas City.

Despite battling a groin injury, Giants kicker Graham Gano managed a 25-yard field goal, but the Giants were effectively out of contention when Kareem Hunt charged in for a 1-yard touchdown, extending the Chiefs' lead to 22-9 late in the fourth quarter.

Thornton was instrumental in that scoring drive, catching a 33-yard deep pass, ultimately finishing the game as the team's leading receiver with five receptions for 71 yards. Mahomes completed 22 of 37 passes for 224 yards and one touchdown, though he fumbled twice due to two strange backward passes in the first half—thankfully for the Chiefs, neither resulted in turnovers.

Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker had a mixed night, successfully hitting field goals of 54, 48, and 28 yards but missing a 40-yard attempt and an extra point due to an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, bringing his season total to four missed kicks.

On the Giants' side, quarterback Russell Wilson struggled, finishing 18-of-32 for 160 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. Backup Jaxson Dart made a brief appearance with no passes attempted.

With Tyrone Tracy sidelined due to a shoulder injury, Cam Skattebo stepped up as the lead back, rushing for 60 yards on 10 carries and also leading the team in receiving with six catches for 61 yards. The Giants struggled offensively, converting just 1 of 10 on third downs.

As the Chiefs improve to 1-2, they’ll return home next week to face the formidable 3-0 Ravens. Meanwhile, the Giants remain winless at 0-3 and will seek their first victory against the undefeated Chargers.