Giants Country

NY Giants vs. KC Chiefs — Scoring Updates, Highlight Reels & Reactions

Can the Giants continue their home wining streak against the Chiefs and finally get into the win column for 2025?
Patricia Traina|
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

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New York Giants

By the end of Sunday Night Football the New York Giants are either going to be 0-3 after allowing the Kansas City Chiefs their first win ever against them at MetLife Stadium, or they’re going to keep their little known winning streak alive.

Coming back from a 0-2 start to a season is not impossible–the 2007 Giants did so and ran it all the way to the Super Bowl that year. Certainly, one has to be encouraged by the Giants' showing on offense last week, which has been the team's top problem for several years, as a reason to keep the faith.

The question, of course, is the defense. Despite the seemingly bottomless money invested in the Giants' defense this offseason, the unit is as far from being a top-15 unit as can be at this moment.

But there’s hope against all hope that the Giants' defense can finally get things right against a Chiefs offense that, other than for tight end Travis Kelce, is hurting these days at receiver. 

And if not? 

Head coach Brian Daboll could be left with no other choice than to relieve defensive coordinator Shane Bowen from his duties if the defense falls apart again, as it has in the first two weeks of the season, especially if the offense is doing its part to keep things close. 

If that were to happen, the Giants could turn to defensive line coach Andre Patterson, who has coordinator experience. However, they’d probably want Patterson to continue putting his full attention into developing third-round pick Darius Alexander into an all-purpose defensive lineman.

Ideally, the Giants keep their modest home game winning streak alive against the Chiefs and send them back to Kansas City with an 0-3 record. But if the defense fails to fully click on all cylinders yet again and the Giants fall to 0-3, things are going to get really ugly very quickly in East Rutherford. 

Fourth Quarter

1:48: And that should do it for the Giants as Wilson doesn't pick up the first down.

TWO MINUTE WARNING

2:35: That should do it. Two straight incomplete passes by Wilson, including that one on fourth down. Why haven't the Giants had Wilson rolling out more to see the field against the pressure? I don't get it. Anyway, another week, another loss for the Giants.

3:33: Wilson to Robinson to get inside the five. Somehow, I feel like it's too late.

6:07: Kareem Hunt gets the 1-yard touchdown but then gets called for unsportsmanlike conduct. No matter, though as the touchdown stands. But the penalty cost the Chiefs the PAT. KAN 22, NYG 9

6:55: This time the deep pass counts. 33 yards, Mahomes to Thornton

7:00: Mahomes's 34-yard pass to Thornton was initially ruled a touchdown, but then reversed and ruled incomplete.  

9:25: Mahomes hits Tyuquan Thornton for 21 yards as Lawrence and Dane BNelton whack him.

Melissa Stark of NBC reported that Dexter Lawrence's left elbow was being looked at by the trainers. That's the same one he dislocated last year. Something to keep an eye on in the coming week.

10:15: The Giants, desperately needing points, send Graham Gano, who was initially thought to be done for the night, out for a 25-yard field goal, which he makes. But it's clear as day that Gano is in some serious discomfort. KC 16, NYG 9

10:57: Wilson loses one yard as George Karlaftis chases him down.

11:58: Dart stays in as Skattebo picks up another three yards.

12:34: Jaxson Dart comes in again and hands it off to Skattebo, who gets the first down on a 9-yard rush.

Jalin Hyatt sighting.

14:00: Big break for the Giants on 4th-and-6. Wan'Dale Robinson catches the ball and then fumbles it, but Trent McDuffie gets called for DPI.  

14:08: Ouch! Malik Nabers and Chiefs safety Bryn Cook cluck facemasks, and both were down for a bit. Nabers got up and jogged off the field. Might have been his shoulder.

14:40: Hey oh. Giants finally get a pass to Malik Nabers for 4 yards.

Third Quarter

New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) runs from the Kansas City defense as he looks for an open teammate, | Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

END OF QUARTER

Per PFF, Dru Phillips has had a rough night, allowing six out of eight pass targets to be caught for 49 yards and one touchdown. He had a couple of penalties as well. Giants had Cor'Dale Flott in at the slot cornerback spot on that last defensive drive.

1:09: Cam Skattebo is so fun to watch truck over people, but he'd better learn to stop leading with his helmet. He finished off that 21-yard run by lowering his head. I'm pretty sure he's going to be hearing from the league for that.

4:46: Giants decide to punt on 4th-and-4. The crowd wanted them to go for it. Gillan's punt makes it to the 15-yard line.

6:10: Chris Jones beats Jon Runyan for a sack.

6:54: Jaxson Dart sighting. He runs for three yards.  

  • LINEUP ALERT: Looks like LT Andrew Thomas is done for the night. He was on a pitch count.

8:26: There it is. Mahomes finds Tyquan Thornton for the 5-yard touchdown pass with Dru Phillips in coverage. KC 16, NYG 6

12:32: Mahomes connects with Kelce for 13 yards. Chiefs are on the move.  

Graham Gano was trying to warm up before the start of the half. Based on this clip, he didn't look like he was moving very well.

Halftime

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart
Sep 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) reacts in the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at MetLife Stadium. | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Skattebo is the leading rusher and receiver for the Giants. He has six carries for 39 yards (6.5 avg.) and three catches for 19 yards. Malik Nabers has sero cateches on three targets. Russell Wilsom is 7-of-13 for 39 yards, two interceptions. That's a 19.9 rating.

Brian Burns leads the team in tackles with four. He also has a ack, two quarterback hits, and one tackle for loss.

Second Quarter

New York Giants cornerback Paulson Adebo (21) breaks up a pass against Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton
Sep 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants cornerback Paulson Adebo (21) breaks up a pass against Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (80) in the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

END OF QUARTER

:03: Butker gives the Chiefs the lead on a 28-yard field goal. The Chiefs get the ball to start the second half. KC 9, NYG 6.

:22: Oh, brother. Another penalty on Phillips, this one DPI. That's a 52-yard penalty. Meanwhile, Mahomes got out of three tackles while running around.

:27: Ugh! Giants CB Dru Phillips draws an illegal contact penalty on 3rd-and-10, keeping the drive alive.

:33: Paulson Adebo had a chance for a pick, but will settle for a pass breakup

Exhale Giants fans. Brian Burns returned to the game.

INJURY ALERT: OLB Brian Burns appears to have injured his left ankle. Burns is now walking off the field on his own. Look for Abdul Carter to play on the end if Burns doesn't return.

:56: Wilson is picked off again on a pass intended for Malik Nabers. I wish Nabers had been a little more proactive on that play to maybe even cause a DPI.  

1:11: Marcus Mbow is now in at left tackle and proceeds to lose his battle vs. George Karlaftis.

1:34: Oh jeeze. Mahomes was sacked and fumbled the ball. Bobby Okereke had a chance to fall on it, but he tried to pick it up and run it into the end zone

1:49: Wow! Skattebo bulldozes his way into the end zone, and TE Daniel Bellinger gets a huge block. 13-yard touchdown run. Ah, but Jamie Gillan's PAT is no good. Tie game. KC 6, NYG 6.

1:53: Skattebo stuffed, but Chris Jones is flagged for defensive holding.

1:57: Giants draw a roughing the passer call against KC's George Karlaftis. Puts the Giants in the red zone.

TWO MINUTE WARNING

2:48: Wilson hits Skattebo for 16 yards and the Giants draw a penalty on Chris Roland-Wallace for illegal contacgt. Meanwhile, Andrew Thomas neutralized Chris Jones like only Thomas can.

Andrew Thomas remains in the game.

5:28: Giants get a break as Butker's 40-yard field goal is wide right. The Chiefs failed to convert the Giants' turnover. KC 6, NYG 0

5:34: Brian Burns with a QBH on Mahomes, who doesn't connect with Smith-Schuster on third down.

Marcus Mbow looks like he's warming up on the sideline.

8:56: Ugh, Russell Wilson takes a deep shot trying to hit Wan'Dale Robinson, and the ball is picked off by CB Chris Roland-Wallace and returned for 23 yards. The Giants' offense looks worse than it did in Week 1.

  • LINEUP UPDATE: Per the broadcast, Gillan will handle all the kicking duties. Gunner Olszewski will do the holding.

9:52: Butker hits another field goal from 48 yards. KC 6, NYG 0

13:09: Mahomes buys time and hits Juju Smith-Schuster for 27 yards. Chiefs on the move.

14:19: Giants challenge what looked like an illegal forward pass. Daboll wins the challenge, and the play is changed to a fumble recovered by KC at their 24.

INJURY UPDATE: Tyrone Tracy has a shoulder injury. He is out.

First Quarter

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) passes against New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns
Sep 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) passes against New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns (0) in the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. | Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

END OF QUARTER. KC 3, NYG 0

:29: Giants draw a delay of game penalty after trying to draqw the Cheifs offside.

1:16: Chiefs got away with a blatant facemask on a short pass to Cam Skattebo that went foir minus one yard.

INJURY ALERT: Giants RB Tyrone Tracy, Jr. is slow to get up after taking a big hit on the Chiefs' sideline. Looks like it could be a stinger.

3:49: Harrison Butker hits a 54-yard field goal, which hits the upright and bounces in. KC 3, NYG 0

Also, as expected, Abdul Carter gets a start at ILB. Would imagine he'll see a handful of snaos there.

9:10: Giants go for it on 4th-and-3 on the KC 38, and the Chiefs break up the pass. Another promising opening drive ends with nothing. Apparently Gano wasn't good to go for this one. Here we go again with this.

As expected, Thomas is going to be on a pitch count, according to the broadcast.

Graham Gano is kicking into the kicking net on the sideline during this first drive, trying to get loose. I'm curious to see if he goes, and if so, how it affects his range.

Giants' starting offensive line: LT Andrew Thomas, LG Jon Runyan, C John Michael Schmitz, RG Greg Van Roten, RT Jermaine Eluemunor

Chiefs win the coin toss and defer. Giants on offense first.

And here we go. Giants announce kicker Graham Gano has a groin injury and is questionable to kick. It's a pre-game injury.

Pre-game 

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (26) runs with the ball before kickoff.
New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (26) runs with the ball before kickoff, Sunday, September 21, 2025. | Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Chiefs Inactives

Chiefs’ inactives are wide receiver Xavier Worthy, cornerback Kristian Fulton, tight end Jared Wiley, running back Elijah Mitchell, defensive end Michael Danna, and center Hunter Nourzad.

NY Giants Inactives

New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas returns to the gridiron for the first time since Week 6 last season.
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas returns to the gridiron for the first time since Week 6 last season. | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Andrew Thomas is active. Whether he'll be on a pitch count (I suspect he will) remains to be seen.

Here are the Giants who are inactive: LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, LB Darius Muasau, DL Chauncey Golston, TE Thomas Fidone II, DL Rakeem Nuñez-Roches Sr., OL Evan Neal, QB Jameis Winston (3rd QB).

More Pre-game Thoughts

Fully expect Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo to deploy a lot of man coverage tonight. He ran that against the Eagles last week and pretty much kept Philly receivers Devonta Smith and AJ Brown in check. The Chiefs have the third-highest rate of man coverage so far this year. 

I’m also expecting the Chiefs to come after Wilson. KC has the third-highest blitz rate so far. Let’s hope that’s the case; the interior of the Giants’ OL is on its game.

Giants need to get their run game going. Makes me wonder if maybe Evan Neal, who is not a bad run blocker, is active this week over James Hudson III. As I see it, I think Andrew Thomas will play tonight, but will be on a pitch count, which means we’ll probably see Marcus Mbow. That could lead to Neal being the jumbo tight end.

The Chiefs' receiver corps is far from being their strength right now, but Travis Kelce at tight end, even if he’s lost a step or two, still makes me a tad nervous given how the Giants have struggled with covering tight ends.

Strategic Thoughts

Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo
Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Look for Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnulo to deploy a lot of man coverage in an effort to curtail the Giants’ passing attack, similar to what he did against the Eagles in Week 2.

Spagnuolo, per SIS, has run man coverage on 47% of the snaps this year, third most in the league, with a 58% success rate. And the Giants' receivers, while having had success in catching the ball against man coverage, haven’t had the explosive plays as they have had in zone coverage. 

Per Pro Football Focus, Malik Nabers has averaged 5.5 yards per catch against man coverage and 18.3 against zone. Wan’Dale Robinson, meanwhile, has averaged 18.3 yards against man coverage and 16.2 yards per catch against zone. 

If the Giants want to counter a potential heavy dose of man coverage, they need to successfully run the ball, which has been a struggle for them these past two games, and get play-action going.

If they can’t run the ball, the other option is to play the quick-release game and hope for the YAC.

The other thing to watch with the Chiefs is the blitz. Spagnuolo has had the Chiefs blitz 43.9% of the time this season, tops in the NFL. But their 15.2% pressure rate is the seventh-lowest in the league. 

Stats Pack

New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns
New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Giants OLB Brian Burns is currently tied for 4th in the NFL with 3.0 sacks this season. Since 2000, Burns is just the third Giant with 3.0+ sacks in the first two games of a season, joining Justin Tuck (3.0 sacks in 2008) and Mathias Kiwanuka (3.0 sacks in 2010).

Receiver Wan’Dale Robinson recorded a career-high 142 receiving yards and a new career-long reception of 50 yards at Dallas in Week 2. He leads the NFL this season in third-down receptions with 9, a category in which he led the league last year with 34. 

Through two career games, third overall pick Abdul Carter has four tackles, a half-sack, and two quarterback hits. Per Pro Football Focus, Carter has recorded eight quarterback pressures, which is tied with Atlanta’s James Pearce Jr. for the most by any rookie this season.

Inside linebacker Bobby Okereke has 26 tackles, one quarterback hit, and one pass breakup. His 26 tackles lead the NFL and are the most by a Giant through the first two weeks of a season since Micheal Barrow had 27 tackles in 2003.

Since joining the Giants in 2019, Dexter Lawrence II has recorded 95 quarterback hits, the 4th-most in franchise history. He is three quarterback hits shy of surpassing Mathias Kiwanuka (97) for the 3rd-most in franchise history.

Receiver Malik Nabers’ 238 receiving yards this season lead the NFL and are the third-most through two games in franchise history behind Bob Schnelker’s 250 yards in 1959 and Byron Williams’ 239 yards in 1984.

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Patricia Traina
PATRICIA TRAINA

Patricia Traina has covered the New York Giants for 30+ seasons, and her work has appeared in multiple media outlets, including The Athletic, Forbes, Bleacher Report, and the Sports Illustrated media group. As a credentialed New York Giants press corps member, Patricia has also covered five Super Bowls (three featuring the Giants), the annual NFL draft, and the NFL Scouting Combine. She is the author of The Big 50: The Men and Moments that Made the New York Giants. In addition to her work with New York Giants On SI, Patricia hosts the Locked On Giants podcast. Patricia is also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America and the Football Writers Association of America.

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