The Kansas City Chiefs played another unequal match against the Atlanta Falcons. While they shot themselves in the foot on numerous occasions, they also came out on top at the right times. They did just enough to to pull out a 22-17 victory.

But in the NFL, a win is a win. The Chiefs now have a full game lead over the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC West.

This game was full of teachable moments. Here are five things we learned.

1. Step aside, Lit! The Chiefs are their own worst enemy

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I know it’s a tired saying, but the only team that can beat the Chiefs is themselves. Whether it was an interception that hit you in the forehead, a roughing-the-passer call, a third-down pass interference penalty that kept an opposing drive alive or a rookie wide receiver stopping a crucial third-down route, these mental and physical lapses have led to three straight games that have been close down to the wire.

The NFL is a league built on equality. You can’t play long enough before sloppy football catches up to you. But if the Chiefs can get their act together, they can be dominant. After the game, head coach Andy Reid said the team has a lot of improvement to make — and he’s right. This isn’t the best version of the Chiefs — and whether that improved version ever comes to fruition depends entirely on them.

2. Mahomes needs to stop being cute — and be “that guy”

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There are two versions of quarterback Patrick Mahomes. One is the guy who plays a little too loose, improvises a little too much, and throws the ball around the yard with short to medium passes — all off his back foot. Most of the time, this works very well for him. But other times, the fact that he throws the ball all over the field causes him to throw with short arms, toss passes behind his receivers — or, as on Sunday night, gives defenders time to trick him into throwing the ball directly to them.

Other times, he’s determined, gets his feet under him, and drives the ball down the field. This version of the quarterback is a fierce competitor with a cannon for an arm. He’s not afraid to put the ball in tight holes. He’s accurate — and the best to ever play the game.

So far in 2024, we’ve seen more of the freewheeling Mahomes than the Jordan-esque, ruthless player we know lurks beneath the surface.

3. This running back group is like the cast of a movie

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Kansas City’s running back group could be a football version of “Oceans 11” or a sequel to “The Longest Yard.” Each team has a unique story and ancestry.

The injured star: Isiah Pacheco

Just when it seemed like this was finally Pacheco’s year to take the next step as the best full-back in the league’s most dangerous attack, he gets injured and is relegated to cheering from the sidelines.

The man who is busy with a number of things: Clyde Edward-Helaire

He is currently unavailable on the Reserve/NFI (non-football injury) list, but we expect him to come in and do his part as soon as he is able.

The Underdog: Carson Steele

He wasn’t meant to make it this far — which lends a down-to-earth likability to his blue-collar style. While he may never be a superstar, he’ll do a lot of things right — and show up when his number is called.

The Companion: Samaje Perine

He’s run so many laps around the block that the dogs in the neighborhood know him. He’s a seasoned veteran who still has a little bit left in him. Even though he’s not the same player he used to be, he still has something to offer.

The Man Who Wants to Set Things Right: Kareem Hunt

His past mistakes have already cost him three Super Bowl rings, but he’s back and hoping to turn things around the right way.

When you put all these characters together, you get something that’s fun to watch. Even if it’s not the best thing you’ve ever seen on TV, it’s easy to binge-watch.

4. The Chiefs defense is legit

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Kansas City’s run defense had another big day, making the opposing running back wish he’d called in sick. Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson is arguably one of the best ball carriers the Chiefs will face this year. They held him to just 31 yards on 16 carries.

It was the third straight game in which Kansas City limited the opposing team’s starting running back to fewer than 50 yards rushing.

Leading the charge in this game was linebacker Nick Bolton, who came back from a back injury and made his second winning play of the short season. Other guys who took a big step forward were homegrown players like Tershawn Wharton and Mike Danna.

5. The Chiefs need a third passing option

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Rashee Rice is an elite receiver. Travis Kelce is double-covered on every snap. The team was counting on Hollywood Brown to be the guy to beat the man coverage and get open. But he’s injured now and there’s no confirmed schedule for his return — and in the meantime, the Chiefs are forcing the ball to Rice, who ranks seventh in receiving yards.

While Rice has played brilliantly thus far, the team still needs a receiver who can take over the role left by Brown.