For the Week 3 game of “Sunday Night Football,” the (1-1) Atlanta Falcons host the (2-0) Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Both teams are coming off emotional one-point victories in Week 2. The Chiefs needed a 51-yard Harrison Butker field goal as time expired to hand the Cincinnati Bengals a 26-25 loss Sunday afternoon, while the Falcons took a 22-21 lead over the Philadelphia Eagles with less than 40 seconds remaining on “Monday Night Football” — and then sealed the win by intercepting Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts on the ensuing drive.

First quarter

The Chiefs won the opening coin toss, leaving the decision of possession to the second half. Atlanta opened with the ball, starting from the 30-yard line on a touchback.

The Falcons attacked the Chiefs defense early with play-action passes; back-to-back completions to wide receiver Darnell Mooney yielded 35 yards and were set up by fake handoffs. The Chiefs defense stifled the rushes, but Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​split the coverage in the red zone.

On third down, he found wide receiver Drake London wide open in the end zone, giving Atlanta an early 7-0 lead.

The Chiefs’ offense got going after poor field position, with help from the rookies: wide receiver Xavier Worthy moved the chains once, then running back Carson Steele did it again. Sophomore wideout Rashee Rice took over to get the next two first downs, including a close call on fourth and short in Atlanta territory.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes came out of the break shooting for review, looking for Worthy in the end zone — but the pass was broken up. It was a quick third down, but Rice found himself open for another first down. It was an inaccurate throw he caught that spelled the end of the drive: Mahomes’ attempt to score was intercepted by Falcons safety Justin Simmons, the sixth interception he’s made of the Chiefs quarterback.

To make up for Mahomes’ fourth interception of the season, the Chiefs’ defense stepped up and forced a quick punt on the ensuing drive. Defensive end George Karlaftis made a tackle for loss on first down, then helped break up Cousins’ dropback on third down.

Second quarter

The Chiefs mounted another methodical drive on their second chance, with Rice and running back Samaje Perine bringing the chains to Atlanta’s side of the field. The offense settled in on third down and long, but Mahomes broke the pocket and threw to the sideline to push the possession into the red zone.

Mahomes continued to lean on Rice, looking his way on third down with his sights on the goal line, and scored to tie the game at 7-7.

The Chiefs defense got going and got a third-down stop, but defensive tackle Chris Jones drew a flag for roughing the passer, extending possession to midfield. That set up a big play for the Falcons, with tight end Kyle Pitts running the ball past safety Justin Reid down the field. Running back Bijan Robinson drove the ball in from there, giving Atlanta a 14-7 lead.

Special teams

Kicker Harrison Butker made his first point on a try in the second quarter.

Wide receiver Mecole Hardman returned his first kick for 19 yards, followed by his first punt for 12 yards in the first quarter.

Linebacker Leo Chenal was fined for holding the ball on the Chiefs’ first kick return.