The Kansas City Chiefs ended their losing streak at last by defeating the New York Giants 22-9, earning their first victory of the 2025 season. However, the Chiefs were not at their best, committing some penalties, missing opportunities, and having difficulty establishing rhythm. Yet the Giants failed to capitalize on that, they failed to take advantage of turnovers. That gave the Chiefs enough chances to post a much-needed victory and escape 0-3 start to the season.

Though the win did provide the Chiefs with hope for the future. Since they have appeared out of sync in their first two contests, the game against New York showed that the team is able to get it done when things are finally going their way. Here are five key takeaways from the game on Sunday.

Chiefs find Hope, face discipline issues

While Rashee Rice was out, the Chiefs desperately needed someone to step up, and Thanks, in no small part, to Tyquan Thornton. His plays provided Mahomes a boost and the Chiefs a silver lining to look forward to with their passing attack. His electrifying catch helped Kareem Hunt in a touchdown.

However, the Chiefs struggled with some penalties. There were a number of such instances: Chiefs cornerback Nic Williams was flagged for a 15-yard facemask penalty, nullifying the play. Trent McDuffie received a 5-yard penalty from the KC 45 for defensive pass interference,and wiping out the play. These penalties served as evidence of the team’s continuing lack of discipline, which Andy Reid is going to have to correct if Kansas City is going to build up some momentum.

Chiefs overpower Giants, Skattebo shines

Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers was mostly ineffective. Nabers, drafted to be an efficient No. 2 receiver, was thrown to seven times but caught two passes for 13 yards. His ineffectiveness diminished the offense’s potential in general.

On the other hand, New York Giants rookie running back Cam Skattebo had a quality game again, breaking out in the absence of injury to Tyrone Tracy. Skattebo hauled in a pass from Russell Wilson and rumbled 21 yards after the catch. He also ran a second-straight touchdown and accumulated 121 total scrimmage yards. Shedding time with Devin Singletary, Skattebo did the backfield work well, doing things on the ground and in the air.

However quarterback Russell Wilson continued to struggle. The 2018 Pro Bowler was far from the quarterback who threw for 450 yards in Week 2. Against Kansas City, Wilson was 18-for-32 for 160 yards and two interceptions. He also stumbled once. He was also hampered by a lack of assistance from key receivers, as well as by an unsettled line on offense.

Malik Nabers’ quiet evening didn’t help them, not allowing New York to really push the ball downfield and make Kansas City hesitate. Without downfield plays, the Giants’ offense was one-dimensional, and the Chiefs’ pass rush could always exploit that.

There is room for improvement on both rosters, but the Kansas City Chiefs overpowered the New York Giants. The Chiefs demonstrated that they still possess it when Mahomes gets into the flow with a coming receiver, and the Giants discovered that Skattebo may be a future fixture in their running back rotation.