On Sunday, the (6-2) Kansas City Chiefs are on the road again taking on the (3-6) Atlanta Falcons. Let’s see how the game plays out in Madden NFL 27.
Note: Madden simulation is 7-1 this season, predicting the outcome.
STOP!
If you want to watch the simulation without spoilers, start this video — or if you can’t see it, click here.
First quarter
The Falcons’ opening drive gained just seven yards before they were forced to punt on their first possession.
The Chiefs’ ground-and-pound attack erupted on their first drive, highlighted
by a 28-yard run from Kenneth Walker. Walker rushed for 36 yards on the drive, while backup running back Emmett Johnson added 13 yards on a third-and-10 run to move the chains.
The drive would end with Harrison Butker drilling a 44-yard field goal to open the scoring.
End of first quarter: Chiefs 3, Falcons 0
Second quarter
The Falcons opened the quarter at the Chiefs’ 19-yard line. Drake London caught a 15-yard pass to reach the four-yard line. From the pistol formation, Michael Penix Jr. handed the ball to Bijan Robinson, who ran to the right, broke a tackle, and found the end zone for a touchdown.
The Chiefs failed to reach the first-down marker on their next possession and were forced to punt the ball back to Atlanta.
A 14-yard pick-and-roll pass to Jahan Dotson moved the ball to the Chiefs’ 14-yard line. Bijan Robinson finished the drive by catching a pass from Penix Jr. and scoring his second touchdown of the game.
The Chiefs found themselves at midfield with a minute remaining in the quarter. On third-and-three, Rashee Rice ran a comeback route and picked up the first down to keep the drive alive. Mahomes then connected with newly acquired Josh Downs for a 12-yard gain and another first down.
The Chiefs managed to put points on the board before halftime as Butker drilled his second field goal of the game, this time from 44 yards out, cutting the Falcons’ lead to eight.
End of second quarter: Falcons 14, Chiefs 6
Third quarter
Josh Downs hauled in an 18-yard pass on a deep out route, going up to make the catch while keeping both feet in bounds. The reception moved the Chiefs to the Falcons’ 25-yard line.
Two plays later, Xavier Watts intercepted Mahomes on a high throw intended for Rashee Rice running a crossing route.
The Falcons turned to their running game to drain the clock, alternating between Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson.
Another 11-yard run from Bijan Robinson moved Atlanta to the Chiefs’ 11-yard line. Brina Robinson followed it up with a 10-yard run to carry the Falcons into the fourth quarter.
End of third quarter: Falcons 14, Chiefs 6
Fourth quarter
A toss to Bijan Robinson went untouched into the end zone for his third touchdown of the game, extending Atlanta’s lead.
The Chiefs found themselves at their own 48-yard line facing a third-and-five. From the shotgun, Mahomes delivered a strike on a fly route to Jalen Royals, who hauled in the pass for a touchdown to bring the game back within one score.
The Falcons reached midfield on their next possession but were stopped at the Chiefs’ 48-yard line and forced to punt.
Mahomes connected with Travis Kelce for 16 yards to move the Chiefs to their own 48-yard line.
Downs followed with a 26-yard reception on an out route.
Royals then hauled in a 17-yard pass on a deep crossing route to move the Chiefs to the nine-yard line.
Mahomes went back to the player who helped get the drive started. Kelce was targeted inside the red zone and came down with the touchdown to bring Kansas City closer.
The Chiefs attempted a two-point conversion to tie the game, but the Falcons stopped a screen pass intended for Johnson.
Kansas City’s defense came up with a three-and-out on the Falcons’ next possession, giving the Chiefs another opportunity. Atlanta was forced to punt, leaving Kansas City with one timeout and eight seconds remaining before the two-minute warning.
The Chiefs crossed midfield after Mahomes connected with Kelce for a 14-yard gain. However, the next play went backward as Mahomes was sacked for an eight-yard loss.
The sack put Kansas City in a fourth-and-13 situation with 15 seconds remaining.
The Chiefs’ final attempt fell incomplete as Mahomes tried to make a throw while being taken down by the pass rush. Kansas City turned the ball over on downs, ending its comeback attempt.
Final score: Falcons 21, Chiefs 19
Notable stats
- Patrick Mahomes: 29 for 39 passing, 293 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception, 1 rushing attempt, 7 yards
- Kenneth Walker: 4 rushing attempts, 40 yards
- Travis Kelce: 7 receptions, 74 yards, 1 touchdown.
- Josh Downs: 6 receptions, 84 yards.
- Rashee Rice: 6 receptions, 41 yards.
- Jalen Royals: 6 receptions, 82 yards. 1 touchdown
- Harrison Butker: 2 for 2, long of 44 yards.
- Michael Penix Jr.: 16 for 22 passing, 171 yards, 1 touchdown, 4 rushing attempts, 16 yards.
- Bijan Robinson: 16 rushing attempts, 100 yards, 2 touchdowns
- Kyle Pitts Sr.: 5 receptions, 61 yards.
- Drake London: 3 receptions, 37 yards.
- Cameron Thomas: 1 sack
Next week, the Chiefs are back home, welcoming the wounded Arizona Cardinals for a noon kickoff. Until then, we will see how it is played out inside the EA Universe.
