New England Patriots Competitive With Kansas City Chiefs, Trail 14-10 At Half

The New England Patriots have surprisingly kept it close with the Kansas City Chiefs through one half.

The New England Patriots came into Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs with nothing to lose as they've already been eliminated from playoff contention, so go figure that they would give the defending champs quite a fight.

Heading into the locker room, the Patriots - who entered as 10.5-point underdogs - only trail 14-10.

Coming off a strong performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe has looked sharp once again. The second-year signal-caller has completed 17 of 19 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown to Hunter Henry. The pair would've hooked up for a second score, if not for an ill-timed holding penalty negating the play.

Zappe drops back to pass during Sunday's game / Cred: USA Today Images

While New England's defense has allowed 195 yards and 14 points, the unit did have the play of the half when Marte Mapu picked off Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes to set the Patriots up inside the 10. It only led to a field goal, but still showed that the Patriots' defense can keep up with the mighty Chiefs' offense.

Henry, coming off a two-touchdown performance in Pittsburgh, led the way with six receptions for 57 yards and the aforementioned score. Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 17 yards on eight carries.

WATCH: Marte Mapu Finally Makes Play for Patriots, Intercepts Patrick Mahomes

On the other end, Mahomes completed 13 of 15 passes for 183 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Jerick McKinnon also threw for a touchdown, hitting Rashee Rice on a trick play.

The Chiefs will get the ball to start the second half, as the Patriots' defense will look to make another big play.

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