Kenneth Walker scores three touchdowns as Chiefs beat Jets 35-12

Kenneth Walker scored three touchdowns as the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the New York Jets 35-12 on Sunday, moving to 6-2 after taking control of a close game in the second half. According to the Guardian's live coverage of NFL week nine, Kansas City scored 21 unanswered points after the interval, while New York fell to 2-7.

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The Jets stayed close before half-time through Jason Sanders, whose fourth field goal, from 54 yards, cut Kansas City's lead to 14-12. Earlier, a Braelon Allen fumble forced by Nick Bolton had handed possession to the Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes then connected with Walker for a 25-yard touchdown, with the running back turning a short pass into a scoring play to put Kansas City back ahead.

There was a concern for the Chiefs when Mahomes was sacked on consecutive plays and walked to the sideline holding an arm. The Guardian subsequently reported that he returned before half-time and helped move Kansas City into field-goal range. Harrison Butker missed his attempt, then missed again after being given another opportunity. Sanders also missed a field-goal attempt before the break, leaving the Chiefs just two points clear.

Kansas City widened that gap in the third quarter when Mahomes found Travis Kelce with a one-yard touchdown pass on fourth down. Kelce collected the shovel pass and crossed the line to make it 21-12. Walker added a two-yard rushing touchdown with 11 seconds remaining in the quarter, completing his three-touchdown day and extending the advantage to 28-12.

Kansas City completed the scoring with a six-yard touchdown run with 3:35 left. New York produced no second-half points after its four first-half field goals, and Kansas City converted a narrow interval lead into a 23-point victory. The result brought the Chiefs back to winning ways as the AFC West's leading teams both collected victories.

Denver remained top of the division at 7-2 after beating Carolina 26-21. The Broncos survived a late Panthers possession when their defence forced Bryce Young to fumble with 1:18 remaining, securing a fifth consecutive win. Kansas City's decisive second half ensured it also emerged from Sunday's early games with a victory.