Winners and Losers From the KC Chiefs' Week 8 Game vs. Denver Broncos

In the Chiefs' second loss of the 2023 campaign, multiple players stood out for good and bad reasons alike.

The Kansas City Chiefs' Week 8 experience was anything but positive, as a 15-point loss to the Denver Broncos served as a low point for the club's 2023 campaign.

Steve Spagnuolo's defense generally played another solid game, holding the Broncos' offense to under four yards per play and putting pressure on quarterback Russell Wilson. The offense, however, turned the ball over five times and didn't capitalize on any trips to the red zone. It was another struggle-filled performance for Andy Reid and Matt Nagy's group, leaving many wondering where the team should go from here.

There isn't much time to figure things out, as a Sunday matchup overseas against the Miami Dolphins in Germany is looming. Kansas City has to quickly learn from its mistakes versus the Broncos and formulate a more cohesive plan for Week 9. All areas of the team left room for improvement in Denver. 

With that in mind, let's point out some of the Chiefs' biggest winners and losers from the eighth week of the NFL season.

Winner: Trent McDuffie

In a year that's been filled with ups and downs, there haven't been many more consistent members of the Chiefs than Trent McDuffie. The second-year cornerback was coming off perhaps his lone so-so outing in Week 7, and he responded with multiple impact plays on Sunday. Getting a pair of third-down pressures on Wilson certainly did the trick, as did stopping running back Javonte Williams around the edge in the second quarter. McDuffie was only targeted once in coverage according to Pro Football Focus, another testament to his ability to shut a receiver out of the game. 

Loser: Skyy Moore

Skyy Moore has done the exact opposite of take a step forward in year No. 2, instead producing less with even more opportunities on the field. While he did convert on one target for eight yards, he also failed to come down with a pinpoint fourth-down pass from Patrick Mahomes in the fourth quarter that would've been good for six points. Reid said on Monday morning that Moore was held on the play but nevertheless, he had a great chance to haul in a game-altering reception and didn't.

Winner: George Karlaftis

Another sophomore appearing in this week's article, George Karlaftis was nothing short of fantastic in Week 8. Not only did he lead the team in sacks (2.5) and pressures (six), but he also finished tied for the Chiefs lead in PFF "stops" on the afternoon. It was the best game of his young career, and one that saw him outshine Chris Jones along the defensive line. That won't happen all too often, but Karlaftis undoubtedly had a statement game on Sunday. 

Loser: L'Jarius Sneed

For as good as L'Jarius Sneed has been this season, he was probably just as bad at Empower Field at Mile High. After a good pass broken up against Courtland Sutton in the first half, he logged a defensive pass interference and a holding penalty on the same drive in the second half. He then drew another DPI to start the fourth quarter, later adding a hold on a touchdown play. It was a game to forget for Sneed — he's earned the benefit of the doubt to be able to flush this one, though.

Winner: Harrison Butker

An underrated weekly storyline for the Chiefs: Harrison Butker continues to be a lights-out performer every time he steps onto the field to kick. The veteran was a perfect 3-for-3 on field goals against the Broncos, with one of them being a 56-yard boot at the end of the first half. Kansas City didn't lose by any fault of his, and he's still batting 1.000 in 2023. 

Loser: Mecole Hardman

The Chiefs traded for Mecole Hardman partially to alleviate any concerns in the return game. Not only did the fifth-year wideout fail to make an impact on offense, but he muffed a punt in the fourth quarter and gave the Broncos even more momentum. Hardman took responsibility afterwards for trying to do too much, but Kansas City can't afford to make mistakes in the special teams realm on top of what's happening on offense. 

Mecole Hardman Shoulders Blame for Chiefs’ Week 8 Loss

Winner: Mike Danna

Mike Danna is quietly having a very good contract year, with the former fifth-round pick adding another sack to his season total and bringing it to 5.5. Danna recorded three pressures on Sunday, second on the team, and remains a very good foundational piece on the defensive line. 

Loser: Patrick Mahomes

Mahomes, just like he has been multiple times this season, was far from the problem on Sunday. With that said, there's a case to be made that he was a problem. He gets a partial pass for battling the flu and an underperforming wide receiver room, although he was still far from the typical Mahomes standard. There's been something holding him back all year long, with Sunday being another instance of it. 

Read More: Chiefs Must Ensure That Broncos Loss Was a One-Time Reality Check