The Chiefs dominated the first half and the Saints are fortunate to be only nine points behind.

Kansas City leads 16-7 after going just 1-for-4 in the red zone. The Chiefs settled for Harrison Butker field goals of 26, 34 and 28 yards on drives that ended at the New Orleans 8, 16 and 9.

The Chiefs’ only touchdown came on their first drive, a five-yard run by Kareem Hunt, after safety Bryan Cook picked off Derek Carr at the Kansas City 22. Carr threw the ball up for grabs in double coverage while being pressured put.

The Chiefs outgained the Saints 277 yards to 112 on 44 plays to the Saints’ 22. Patrick Mahomes completed 19 of 27 passes for 216 yards. Travis Kelce had his best night of the season with eight catches for 67 yards, and he had another 15 yards to edge Samaje Perine as the Chiefs overcame a second-and-34 on one of their field goals.

Kansas City scored just once.

Carr was 9 of 14 for 85 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He threw a 43-yard pass to Rashid Shaheed for New Orleans’ only score. Shaheed has two catches for 58 yards.